Who's Positive was created after Tom Donohue, Founder of Who's
Positive found out that he was HIV+ In October of 2003. He stood
up and spoke unexpectedly at a World AIDS Day Event at the Pennsylvania
State University. Tired of keeping this a secret, he wanted
to reach out to bring HIV to the forefront and to let his peers
know that the virus was in their back yards and that is it not
an experience they want to go through or an experience they
want to put their families, friends or loved ones through.
Today Who's Positive offers an our outreach program entitled
"Who's Positive" which is designed to offer an insight into
the life of HIV+ youth. It is hoped that after the story is
told and experiences shared audience members will see HIV and
its consequences from the perspective of someone they can relate
to. It is hoped that through this outreach the HIV+ youth can
help to prevent an experience of a life time, have the audience
listen to story, feel the emotion, compare the audiences' behaviors
to risky behaviors and evaluate their actions. In reality it
is hoped to have them think if they have put themselves at risk
then have the presenter offer local resources for audience members
to receive counseling and know where they can be tested for
HIV and other STD's. As a non-profit organization Who's Positive
has begun to offer personal stories starting with its Founder
Tom Donohue.
Sample of the Hypothetical HIV Test, each card is sealed and
the inside of the card identifies the result of this Hypothetical
HIV test. Test results are revealed towards the end of the
program
Program Created
World Aids Day - December 1, 2003 - Pennsylvania State University
Program History
Who's Positive was created after Tom Donohue found out that
he was HIV+ In October of 2003. He stood up and spoke unexpectedly
at a World AIDS Day Event at the Pennsylvania State University.
Tired of keeping this a secret, he wanted to reach out to bring
HIV to the forefront and to let other students know that the
virus was in their back yards.
What to expect during the program
"As all of you entered the room, you were all tested for the
HIV virus... and in your hands sit your results... Someone in
this room is HIV positive."
This program starts with the participants walking into the room.
A facilitator will give each person a card that has been designed
to set the mood of the program. As the participants enter and
sit down they begin to look at the sealed card with which they’ve
been presented—a card that acts as a hypothetical HIV test.
They sit patiently awaiting their results as if it was an actual
HIV test. The facilitator reads the above statement. What the
audience does not realize is that sitting among them, looking
and acting like them, and maybe even talking to them, sits Tom
Donohue. Sitting in the audience at the start of the program,
no one knows he is about to tell them his preventable fate.
After the opening statement and a brief pause, Tom then stands
up and announces; "My name is Tom Donohue and I am HIV positive."
Without telling the audience this, they would have never known.
Tom then walks through the audience and toward the front, where
he begins to tell his story. Tom’s experience begins on October
13, 2003 when he found out he was HIV positive. Tom goes on
to say, that looking around the room, it would be impossible
to identify those who are among the audience holding a hypothetical
test result reading “POSITIVE”. With out getting
tested, one could unknowingly put others at risk during risky
behaviors, causing the virus to spread possibly among others
they know.
In retrospect, Tom shares experiences that are common unsafe
practices. He tells of his own behaviors which included unprotected
sex and ‘hooking up’ through the usage of the internet such
as gay.com. He describes why and how he was tested for HIV,
finding out his results, and deciding who to tell. Tom explains
how he told his roommates of his status, what their reaction
was, how his partner, his family and friends reacted and how
he dealt with the news himself. Tom forces those sharing his
journey to envision a world of someone who could face the reality
of a positive test result. This lets the audience begin to question
their own behaviors, unsafe practices and has even resulted
in testing for some. Tom begins to conclude the program by talking
about the feelings associated with their hypothetical HIV test
results. He inquires with them how they think their life would
change should they find out they are positive. Tom asks if anyone
would confide in others, if so who, when and how they would
do it. He questions if they would tell their past partners,
asking them about how they think their life would change in
the dating scene. These are many of the areas that Tom covers
about himself and then gets his audience thinking about how
they would deal with such news themselves.
Finally, Tom invites them to open their hypothetical test results.
He asks if anyone would like to share their results with the
group. This forces each person to think about if they would
tell anyone, just like the decision they would have to make
in reality should their result be positive. This experience
is unpredictable and some participants may decide to keep the
results to themselves to ponder what they would do. Others may
feel comfortable enough to discuss their results.
After a discussion about the card, Tom opens up the floor to
questions and answers. Often Tom will begin asking the first
question himself. This question is typically a very personal
question which others may be wondering, but may not feel comfortable
asking. This sets the tone and signals to the audience that
they may feel free to ask any question they want. Tom does reserve
the right not to answer a question but rarely finds himself
in that position. After the presentation is over, Tom remains
available should anyone want to approach him afterwards.
What Makes This Program Different From Others?
This is an experience-based program which brings a face to the
HIV virus. A face of someone who is young, who has always been
well respected and a role model to others in the community.
A face of someone who is very open and is willing to communicate
his very personal experiences, behaviors and actions were the
result of his contracting HIV.
The audience applauds Tom for his unscripted approach; thus
making the program an honest and sincere experience. Those who
attend the program say they relate to much of what Tom is experiencing.
This is not a statistical program, although occasionally Tom
may mention a statistic he generally focuses on telling about
his own life experience; an experience that offers a face to
associate with HIV; a face that will remain in those attendees’
hearts and minds for some time to come; leaving an impression
which may come to mind at a moment when they may face a difficult
behavioral decision.
What's Included
Tom Donohue will show up well in advance to meet with a host
facilitator, who is in charge of beginning the program. Based
upon the estimated amount of participants, hypothetical HIV
impact cards will be provided.
Also included is a sixty minute interactive program with a question
and answer session. After the conclusion of the program, Tom
will be available to pursue any personal questions and/or conversations.
Who’s Positive will supply resources of HIV related areas of interest from
your local area on www.whospositive.org This provides resources of testing
and counseling locations that are available in the area of the speaking engagement.
It is highly encouraged that those hosting this program supply Who’s Positive
with this information in a timely manor in order for our staff to post to
our website before the program.
An Example of Program Feedback:
Email dated November 22, 2005:
I've learned about HIV/AIDS before, but your talk tonight really had
an impact on me. The first thing I did when I left was call my bestfriend
and tell her about it and how I wished she could have heard you speak.
I know I've made some irresponsible decisions, but your speech made
me promise myself that it won't happen anymore. After hearing you
repeat the "one moment of passion, intimacy, and irresponsibility,"
it hit me hard close to home. By sharing your story with my friends,
I made them promise me they won't take that risk anymore either. You
are a wonderful speaker, and i just wanted say thank you so much for
sharing your story. I know your goal is to make an impression on peoples'
lives and make them realize that HIV/AIDS is real, and honestly, I
think you are doing a great job at doing that. I wish you the best
of luck!!
Email dated March 21, 2005
Hello, my name is Robyn and I was at your
presentation tonight (at American University). I just wanted to let
you know that I enjoyed Who's Positive. I also wanted to tell you
that when I left, I went to a friend's room and told them about Who's
Positive and about your story. The girl I talked to was shocked that
you got tested randomly with no symptoms at the age of 23 and tested
positive. She said that it really made her think twice. Just wanted
to let you know that you ended your presentation at 10 pm and by 11
pm it had already affected others' lives through word of mouth. Thanks
for sharing your story.
- Robyn, American University, Washington, DC
Disclaimer:
This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate
for all audiences. This information should not be substituted for
the advice of a doctor or other professional. Who's Positive staff
and sponsors assume no liability or responsibility for personal, financial,
medical, or legal decisions made by users of this site.
