I'm Positive 2022

“This disease is a natural ill, not some moral evil” – so said the nurse Maria Gkika at I’m Positive 2021, succinctly capturing both the demonization of sexuality and the feelings of guilt that often accompany an HIV diagnosis. This year’s discussion will be championing acceptance and love, which starts from within the nuclear family to spread out across society. People living with and without HIV will be taking to the Onassis Stegi Main Stage to tell their own personal stories, shedding light on various aspects of HIV, and proving that the greatest challenge facing those living with the virus is in fact discrimination and societal ignorance.

On October 13, we’ll be talking openly about the stigma that still exists within relationships, in the workplace, and across society. About everything that’s been hard-fought for and achieved, and all the things still to be done. Together, let’s help make sure no-one need suffer any more due to the taboos, ignorance, or inequality that surround HIV.

“Lots of people who transition end up on the streets. I chose to stand by my son’s side.”

“It’s important to take yourself by the hand. And it’s important to have your hand held by those who love you too.”

Yorgos Androulakis was born and raised in Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, in closed-minded and homophobic surroundings. Diagnosed with HIV in 2010, he decided to share the news a few days later with the people in his life. He thought all hell would break loose, but there were people who came close and embraced him – his beloved friend Irini among them.

Maria (Cyber) Katsikadakou is a LGBTQI+ activist, and founding director of the Outview Film Festival. She was among the first in Greece to speak openly about her identity, publicly coming out as a lesbian. She wanted everyone to know. Maria is attending the event with her mother Ourania, and both will be speaking about the importance of acceptance within family circles, which for them is a given. They both agree that to be embraced by your kin is essential, and urge parents to love their children unconditionally and support their every decision. Because at the end of the day, “What will people say?” really doesn’t matter at all when set against the happiness of a child dreaming about their life.