I saw my life flash before my eyes, he said.
I heard the voices of my past, those who tormented me for being gay.
Dimitri was working as an actor on a touring production throughout the U.S. when he started to feel unwell.
A few months into his contract, he was experiencing flu-like symptoms, headaches, and body aches.
He attributed the fatigue to his work schedule he was performing 8 times a week, after all.
However, he then developed a rash that spread over the majority of his body.
A doctor told him it was eczema, and sent him home with a topical cream.
But it was a sinus infection he couldnt shake that made him ask to be tested again.
Once it had, he tested positive.
This realization was his impetus to step up and speak out.
The discrimination and stigma alone can be enough to keep LGBTQ+ and HIV+ people away from the doctors office.
The fight for better treatment isnt just an LGBTQ+ matter, though.
It doesnt discriminate, he says.
