She/He is HIV
I hate it when people say, "He/she is HIV." Not even He/she is HIV-positive. Just he is HIV.
It makes me want to yell, "People are not their diagnoses. Show some sensitivity in your language!"
Is it unique to African American communities? That's who I hear it from. Although nobody I knew at Whitman Walker said it, no matter their race or ethnicity.
I even prefer "positive" or "poz."
Also, I had to correct a nurse who said HIV could be transmitted through toilet seats. No evidence whatsoever. Other infections, sure, but not HIV. She wanted to relocate one of my HIV-positive clients into a bedroom with another HIV-positive client so that no one new would be infected. What bullshit! You'd better believe that your diagnosis can affect the kind of health care you get.
(Mental note: Money = choice)
I'd be working at Whitman-Walker Clinic now if it weren't for their crappy pay. I loooooved my internship there, but they no longer have the resources to hire newbies or even interns. I could get hired there doing stuff I don't want to do, but why do that for little money when I can do that here for decent money?
By the way, I'm strongly in favor of HIV-positive people in the scene disclosing their diagnosis if doing anything risky (involving mucous membranes or blood). It's tough, I know. I would not rule out playing with someone just because of that diagnosis. (Although in general, my play does not involve a lot of mucous membranes or blood anyway).
I'm slacking today. Oh well. Makes up for the crazy-busy days I guess!