Stories

Our stories have the power to change lives and the discriminatory migration and travel policies worldwide.

At the AIDS 2024 conference in Munich, we set up a video recording booth in the Global Village, and invited visitors to tell us about their lived experience in the context of traveling and relocating with HIV.

Global HIV Migration booth at AIDS 2024

All videos have human-made English subtitles. Therefore, the auto-translated subtitles in other languages work rather well. You can turn on subtitles in the settings (gear icon) in the YouTube player: First select ‘English’, then select ‘auto-translate’ and then your language.

J.B.’s story

Lebanon • Russian Federation • Turkey

Diagnosed with HIV during his medical studies in Russia, J.B., who was born in Lebanon, faced deportation and denied healthcare. Undeterred, he navigated a complex web of self-medication and discreet doctor consultations. His journey continued through Turkey, where strict regulations, again, hindered access to medication.

Carlos’ story

Australia • Chile

From Chile to Australia, Carlos's journey has been marked by a deep desire to live abroad. Diagnosed with HIV in a foreign land, during the early COVID-19 years, they faced the added challenge of navigating complex immigration policies that discriminate against people living with HIV. Despite the hurdles, they persevered, finding strength in community, love, and a relentless pursuit of their Australian dream.

Robert’s story

Mexico • United States

Robert, a survivor of HIV criminalisation in the US, shares a shocking and unsettling experience. What was planned as an ordinary vacation in Mexico, turned out to become a “bizarre” sequence of events, that started when Robert heard his name being announced on the outbound flight’s loudspeakers.

Sven’s story

China • Germany

Sven, a pilot from Germany, living with HIV, shares his experiences navigating international travel. The fear of discrimination and potential consequences in countries with restrictive laws has led to constant subliminal anxiety. A particularly harrowing incident occurred after  a flight to China, when he got diagnosed with COVID, and “further tests” were required in a hospital.