Courtesy of Josh Robbins

“[After testing positive for HIV], I didn't want to ever think about sex again. But that ended. I had to get comfortable with myself first again.

I had to experience all the awkward moments of when I finished the first time and thought about that product being viral. I had to have a nose bleed and be scared to death that I was bleeding and it being OK. I had to get comfortable kissing again, and being intimate. It's a mind-fuck.

Then I had to, and in some ways, still am, getting used to having a very private discussion about my personal medical condition with potential sex partners and not knowing the best time to bring it all up. Do I do it before we chat, after we chat but before sex, way before sex? When? It's a Catch-22.

And then I had to realize that there are people who are negative and educated and like me for me. I had to learn to allow myself to be intimate with them.”

—Josh Robbins, 32, talent & brand management agency owner — HIV positive