How I found out I was HIV Positive 

My late uncle passed away from colon Cancer, but he had HIV also. I took care of him during his last days because he refused to go to hospices. Thank you so much for sharing your testimony and I pray you continue to live a long life may God continue to bless you

I am an HIV specialist... I am going to show this video to my clients.

It's a waste of time asking if someone is HIV free as they might not actually know they've been recently affected.

Telling someone that u are hiv positive has got to be one of the most difficult things to do in life. I watched this video and admire your courage to talk about a topic that society doesn't deal with effectively. Wow... Good job bro

Hi. I am not HIV. I look at various kinds of videos and i stumbled across yours and i am sorry that you contracted the disease but i enjoyed watching your braveness and positivity and intelligence. Your spreading awareness to young black gay men and even straight people. I pray your still holding your head up :)

I think you're awesome for doing this video. My mom had AIDS and passed from complications many years ago! It takes courage to tell the your friends and family but you've reached beyond that and shared with the world. Blessing to you and hopes for a cure soon to come! Hugs!

Hi Patrick, THANK YOU for sharing your story. I am also HIV positive. Most of my friends that were HIV have passed away. I thank GOD every day for allowing me to be here as long as I have. I have been HIV now for 27 years. Keep a good attitude and continue to keep yourself fit. AND, most importantly, Thank GOD! And, you should be around for a LONG time. God Bless!

I watched my little brother get kicked out the house after my Dad couldn't "fix him". My brother told him he was gay and my Dad couldn't take it and I couldn't stop him. I wish my Dad had a heart like your Dad.

I live about 20 minutes from Arlington. I am in Bethesda MD. Good job on this video. It is not easy for someone to openly say they are HIV positive on RU-vid.

You're extremely brave to make a public video about your status. I wish you nothing but the best in life Patrick. 💞💞

I'm from North Carolina too :) you are an extremely handsome young man with a very positive attitude. Stay strong and God bless.

You are truly courageous and beautiful inside and out. I live in Atlanta where HIV/AIDS has affected my community drastically, even some people very close to me. You're an angel and keep up the great work inspiring and educating others. God bless. Love you!!!

You are an amazing human being. I love you, Patrick. Thanks, for being so courageous to share and help others.

I am a medical student, and I really appreciate your sharing your experience. I thought the many, many missed opportunities by health care professionals both for testing and support was very sad and I will not make the same mistake. I hope you are doing well and know that you are making a difference.

You are an angel! I am so happy that you've come to a place where you can talk about this the way that you do. You are helping so many people, I love you for that ❤

You will probably never read this, but I find you inspirational. My heart is full and I wish and want all the best.

Whenever I feel flat, or need to be inspired - I come and watch Patrick's video. It always helps! Thank you.

I commend you for sharing your story, right now i am going through one of the. MOST DIFFICULT time in my life, my son is HIV, most recently we found out he had lymphoma now he is in chemotherapy, he was giving up on life feeling like he did not want to fight to stay alive, your story touched my heart and gave me hope, my son is kind of stubborn but I am going to forward this to him You spoke life into your situation, God bless you

Patrick, i can tell that you're a good person and that's possibly one of the reasons that you're loved so much and supported by your family. What you're doing is selfless and pretty brave and i respect you for that. Continue to inspire people

my mom talks a lot to my siblings, my friends and I about STD, HIV and early pregnancies. sometime back I used to get really angry when she would sit us down at anytime and talk about this kind of things, but now I understand her better since her younger sister died of AIDS

Respect took gutts to do this....

Hey man, I know your video has been out for a while but I just wanted to praise you for your strength and willingness to tell us all your story.

I will spread the word and I got a lot from your story-I am a social worker and addiction counselor-I also have the hours needed for HIV/Aids education but after watching you I am going to further my education and take certification to give HIV tests and counsel newly diagnosed or just diagnosed people because it is a stigma associated with this disease along with any disease or way of living that doesn't follow norms-I counsel people with mental illnesses and it's a stigma that is hard to break through in this world no matter if you are a top athlete or a drug abuser-there is a method through breaking through but not many can take the stress and negativity that it takes to make a difference ! I am proud of you and I wish you the best. ROF

Keep the faith, I have been HIV for 31 years still looking good t cell great.

Just came back to say thank you again for the video it gave me the courage to and get tested and my results were negative,I am from Zimbabwe were HIV/AIDS is rife and I am thinking of becoming an activist because it is true many parents do not have deep conversations with their children till it is already too late.

Hi Patrick! I LOVE your story! I cried from begging to end! Just recently I found out my daughter father was gay after being with him since I was 14-22yrs old. About 3 weeks ago I went to a local clinic in my area & had a HIV test done they had me wait in the waiting room for 10mins seem like the longest 10 mins EVER!!!!! the doctor called me into the room & told me my test came back NEGATIVE! Its so important to go get TESTED!!!!

I can't say thank you enough for posting this video. I know it is an older video with today being 4/30/16 but thank you! I keep erasing what I want to say because this says it is a public comment but some days I need to talk to someone. I am not positive but I just found out my best friend is. I would love to talk to you and get more information because I want to be supportive in the right way. You are a beautiful man and I admire your strength and honesty. I hope you are doing well and If there is a way for us to chat without it being public that would be awesome! Thank you again.

You seem so transparent while sharing your story; which is refreshing. You have such an intoxicatingly uplifting spirit. Thank you for sharing.

Patrick, I pray the best and a long life for you. Thank you for sharing, and wanting to help others. And I'm sorry the people that informed you weren't sympathetic, even supposed professionals are ignorant.

I got Diagnosed in Feb 2014, I wish I had seen this video, when I had found out, You are an inspiration, and I am 46 now.. Good job and awesome video!! Will be subscribing to your youtube!!!

Salute! That requires a lot of guts! You are a hero man!

Hi Patrick, thank you so much for sharing so story!! That was mighty brave of you! I appreciate your honesty and also the respect that you have for your partner! I'm happy that you have an AWESOME support team! I just had my annually testing done and I'm pleased to say everything came back negative! I wish you great health and many blessings! Thanks again😘

I'll keep you in my prayers. I know for a fact that your going to be fine.my cousin got hiv he first time and she was 16 she is 36 now and she doing great she takes her medicine and take good care of her self.shr has two sons that are not teenagers and they still get tested and are negative.we thank god everyday for her and her boy's. I just wanted to let you know that your doing the right thing and I also appreciate you for telling your followers to get tested. I'm a fan of yours for that...

I have worked in the STD clinic. AIDS/HIV can visit anyone. Thanks for sharing your story! Its never how we start but indeed how we finish. We have all sinned and fallen short and God is a God of second chances! I dont agree with the lifestyle, i had a uncle who died from Aids and have a cousin who is around 30yrs who is sick with Hiv. I think there is consequences for our actions what ever our struggle is. I think you are super brave and I think its awesome you didnt start infecting others. I also think its cool that your family still showed love. Cause love is what covers a multitude of sin. None of us can judge.. People who really love God, we love people and hate the sin including our own and hit our knees...(meaning we pray)

I love your honesty. And I'm sorry that this happened to you, but I'm so thankful your spreading the word.

Hi tears coming down my eyes watching ur video, I am a straight ficking married woman and HIV positive since 2006, contracted from my husband which is also positive, since then we have been seperated now an taking care of my health, having one son which is not positive, unfortunatly had to retired with disability as a banker in NY.

Patrick , you're awesome. Your video was so informing, you should be an advocate for awareness. My status is not positive but I have always wanted to be a voice for prevention, and available resources for testing. So bad I use to go from projects to projects passing out literature and condoms. Keep up the good work. New subbie

Thank you for sharing your story with others. Your ability to educate others and serve as a role model may be a huge silver lining to your HIV status, and you may have no idea of the many people you may have helped with your video.. Keep up the good work you are doing!

I’m so proud of you speaking out and taking care of yourself! As a mom to two young babies I plan to always love them no matter what! I’m so happy your parents were always there!

Patrick, I want to just thank you for sharing your personal story with us. Just listening to your story is so enriching and shows how much you care about humanity. You are wonderful

You are so beautiful inside and out. That is so kind of you to offer support through this video and to go with them to get tested. I find you to be so courageous and heroic. You are a blessing in this world and nice to know you are there. I would have to be locked up if I ever had HIV because I freaked out worst than you over something so minor. I would love to learn from how you keep your health good in a stressful world, so I can go back to work again. Stress affects most people, if not all, and your condition helped you to be more aware of it. Will you make a lifestyle video on your healthy lifestyle. I don't have HIV, but I can learn from you to continue to improve on my health. I know you are going to tell me to exercise, right? ;-)

This is why it is so important for doctors to listen to their patients and not just assume they already know what is wrong. Listen to people!! I’m sorry you had to go through all this!

Dude you stole my heart as Soon as I viewed. This needs to be on a bigger platform and it needs to be talked about in OUR community. I'm black and gay.......damn you really got me in my feelings right now. Much love nephew 😎

I love your aura Patty. Love just flows all through you. You are amazing. It warms my heart that you are willing to be available for people who need someone to go with them to be tested. You just melt my heart. Wishing you s healthy loving life my friend. 🤗

I/...it's been about 6 years now for me. I was 21. I appreciate you being so open, and spreading awareness.

Thank you for sharing your story Patrick. That was extremely brave of you. I wish you the best

Respect to you for doing this man, that was an enlightening account and should motivate others to educate and help out in any way they can.

I just love Patrick honesty about the awareness of HIV he's an inspiration to those struggling with it and being afraid to tell there story.

Your parents raised a beautiful spirit; I know they are proud of you. Thanks so much for the gift of your story. God speed

Patrick you are a very strong man, may God bless you and keep watching you, you are doing an excellent job,you are amazing man,proud of you.

I was washing dishes listening to your story. You're an amazing person. Keep sharing and spreading the word.

One of the best videos I have watched on YT. Your spirit is amazing and I wish you all the best in life. Love from London!!

the good Lord all ways will be with you.! regardless what the world throughs at you.

Patrick, I totally support you;you are one of the most upbeat young males ive seen on the internet!!..HIV is now been upgraded to a manageable chronic illness!! hang in im loving and supporting you!!..

You are amazing man! Wish I was there to give you a huge hug:). You seem so sincere and honesthearted. I can use more of that type of energy in my life and hope to be like that as well. Wish you all the best! One love

Thank you Patrick, the sharing of your journey has helped and will continue to help millions.

God bless you !! Keep being strong, I dont know what i would do if i ever was HIV + you have a positive attitude

My sister is in Hampton, my other one lives in Yorktown, and I'm from Roanoke so I know the area pretty well. You're so brave for doing this vid. Must have been so scary. Wish you well.

So inspiring, Patrick. I could identify with so much of what you said (my parents were military / religious, too. I really related to how you were raised, feeling invincible at 16, etc.). Your sense of humor and your positive outlook on life, in spite of everything that has happened, is what drew me in to this story. You are making a difference and affecting our society for the better with your videos. So thank you. Keep shining. Thank you for sharing your experience w/all of us. P.s. - LOL at the part where you spoke about the nurse who pretty much tried to get you to leave if you weren't having suicidal thoughts after she told you you were HIV positive. Forgive me, because that's not a funny situation at all. But the way you told that story and recounted how you felt - that was everything. You are funny.

Thanks so much for this Patrick, this video is so informative and I'm sure it could be reassuring for anyone dealing with HIV or has a loved one going through it. You're really brave for sharing but you know it could be really important for somebody feeling low.

Big love bro, stay strong!!

Awwww.... I'm so proud of you! You have a great attitude. My brother in law passed from that. When I first found out, I behaved very ugly. If I were my husband, I would have left me. I would have fought me (I was just that AWFUL. He was living with us at the time) But I decided to do research and realized that I was very ignorant to the facts.I did research for the entire family. So if any of you have someone close to you living with this, PLEASE do your research and continue to love them. They already have to deal with the world judging them, the don't need you against them too.

I applaud you for the guts that you have !!!! You are such a brace man with coming out and speaking your truth!!! I don't know you but I love you for that !!! Built tough no matter what!!! Nothing but blessing from me to you honey! 💪🏽

Keeping it real, and true, best of luck bud, sending good vibes from the United Kingdom, you have a good outlook to life and will be ok!

hey man, just checking on you how are you doing today how are you feeling how has life been since the video??

You're a brave guy I hope you live a lengthy life with much prosperity!

God bless you. You're helping and educating people with your videos. Much love from a fellow military brat. (Air Force)

You’re so brave. Thank you for spreading the knowledge! You are loved.

I found out not 2 long ago. after watching, I feel like I have hope. thank you Patrick

Awwww you are such a cutie pie..thank you for sharing your story..you are a very brave person..I wish you good health while you fight this ugly virus..when you talked about your family and how supportive they were I could feel the tears burn my eyes and stream down my face..my heart goes out to you..good luck with everything and I'm glad you didn't let the virus win and you didn't give up on your battle..God bless you :)

I absolutely love you. You are so strong and so kind I wish you the best in every way ❤️

Thank you for your video. You are a very brave man. The fact that you were willing to help others that may be going through what you have already went through is amazing. Beside all the dumb comments you may have saved someone's life. I hope 2016 finds you in good health and happiness. Peace.

Not to sound awkward but I like watching your videos but I like hearing you talk. You seem like an excellent conversation kind of guy c;

God Bless you for telling your story, I have lost many many of my friends to HIV and I consider my self very lucky for I was very lose in my early life we have a tree here in the village that we tie white ribbons for all those have died of HIV there is no space left to tie, we lost so many young people its such a shame. I could say a lot more but will leave it here.

Patrick I enjoyed watching your video. Very open and transparent. I encourage you continue what you are doing with your video outreach ministry. Its important to share your story in hopes to encourage others. I look forward to hearing more of your story. Before asking an important question I have for you I will wait until the appointed time.

I applaud you for sharing this very personal but important part of your life. If I see you on a flight, You get a big hug from me!!!

Thank you for the video! Hope you doing well. I am going to get tested and be more responsible and mindful about my health.

What an inspiration, it takes Courage to do something like this. It makes me proud to see African American men doing something positive. By the way it was great seeing you at the 2015 Naesm Conference.

Hi Patrick, you are a brave young man. I commend you for having the courage to make this video. Thanks for sharing! May God continue to bless you and your great family! 💯❤☝😀

Thank you Patrick for this information. I think its very important for everyone. love that you can be honest about yourself. I also admire your strengths. You are a great educator and just as your case worker was there for you. I truly can see you becoming a professional social worker advocating for the future. Please continue to touch others as you did for me. Thank you, Love Denise

So let's make it known that my parents did talk about sex, drugs, and rock&roll. For me I feel as if it could have been more detailed (i.e. talk about HIV testing, resources, having specific conversations with our doctors, how to ask sexual partners about they sexual health and STD statuses, etc). My family is completely open about so many things. I stated a fact that parents should have more conversations about STDs (including HIV). Also, if schools are going to be offering sexual education in school they should use the model of comprehensive sexual education. Abstinence based education does not help a person if they choose to engage in sex. I really do hope that clarified things.

your such a sweetheart offering to go with people to get tested proud of you man

Aw omygoodness! I want to be your friend! :D We need more positive and influencial people like you to kick stigma's asses! Because of this video, it has solidified even more to me that if ever a person I know in my life contracts HIV, that supporting them fully with their new diagnosis is the right thing to do! Good on ya!

im from Hampton, va kudos to you to share your story you are brave man keep doing what your doing

Hey Patrick...Thank you for sharing this and for being so transparent with your story. I'm 21 years old and a mixed trans man and I NEVER thought I would contract it. I got sick about two months ago with "Tonsilitis" and was just thankful it wasn't COVID so I never went to the doctor after knowing it wasnt that. Thankfully, I recovered normally but last week I went to go get my hormone levels checked. I also decided to FINALLY take that test...and I'm thankful there are videos like this because right now, I have no one I can talk to about this. I know this is already a long comment but I watched the whole video...thank you

I applaud your honesty and how you've taken the approach of taking care of yourself.

You are such an amazing guy, your parents just be very proud. I am hiv negative but that doesn't mean that throughout life, it could never happened to me and that is why sharing these videos are an inspiration to both people who are hiv negative and also hiv positove. Keep up the good work and God bless you

be strong and live a normal life God bless you for this is video it's an eye opener

You are ABSOLUTELY adorable and INSPIRATIONAL Patrick I truly commend you for your bravery and positive outlook! I really admire you, it takes such a big person to turn a negative situation into a positive one, I KNOW for a fact that you are helping sooo many people around the world cope with their situation just with you sharing your story and your thoughts. Thank you for being such a bright light, you seem like such an amazing person, may you continue to be blessed!

I appreciate you sharing your story. I know it taken a lot of courage to do this. I wish you the best and be sure to take care of yourself.

its very unimaginable for me to feel what you are going through brogod bless you I learned a lot from hiv videos after I checked out your video and believe me for me I been trhough a situation were temptations has taken over and I have not had hiv thank god I will take more care of myself you take care too thanks =) for sharing your story you are very brave !!

Thanks for sharing your story. I hope that your viral load remains undetectable and your t cells continue to rise. Stay strong and keep your head up and continue sharing your story. I am not HIV positive but your words still moved me. Also continue your physical regime; because looking good and feeling healthy is always the best revenge.

God bless you!! It takes a lot to speak on something like this. Kudos to you for being honest

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your amazing! There is no shame for this. If people love you they love you for who you are and stay with you. Your a worthy person.

Thanks, a very touching video. Good to hear someone else's story. Greetings from Rural NSW, Australia,

I wish I could just give you a giant hug💙

i know I'm so late but this is so inspiring! I love your positive attitude & stay strong!

Thanks for sharing for your story. Your honesty is well appreciated. I hope many learn something from your story.

He has beautiful eyes.

i love you man praying for you strong individual