Becoming an ambassador was the right decision. The World AIDS Day campaign was launched exactly four weeks ago. It is now visible everywhere, on posters in bus stops or underground stations, as a commercial in cinemas, on the internet - and I am right in the middle of it all - one of six ambassadors. Seeing myself everywhere in the city is a strange feeling, but it also makes me very proud.
Personally, nothing has really changed for me. Because I am exactly the same as I was before and I want to stay that way. I'm happy and proud that I took the step to make my "being positive" public. Otherwise I would probably never have realised how open the people around me (boss, colleagues, friends and not least my family) are about me and my infection. I am very grateful for that. I have become much more self-confident and open. It is now easier for me to deal with my infection and show my face, especially at work.
At the press event of the World Aids Day campaign on 23 October in Berlin, I also met Health Minister Daniel Bahr. I was a bit nervous at first. But then somehow it was very funny - after all, who stands in the kitchen with Daniel Bahr, chopping salad and having a little chat? We even had a brief chat about my workplace. It was a bit disconcerting to see the large crowds of press people, cameras, cameras and questions everywhere.
After the campaign became really visible, I was naturally curious about the reactions in my environment. And I have to be honest, I haven't had any negative reactions so far. Quite the opposite. The campaign has strengthened team spirit at work. Even my boss left a comment on the World Aids Day website. He wrote: "My wife and I are proud to have you as an employee in our retirement home. You are one of the most sincere people we know and you have exactly the right job that suits your personality [...]". He really touched me with these honest words.
Not to forget the comment from my husband "I am very lucky to be married to Manny and it has always been important to me to support his commitment to HIV and AIDS because I know how important it is to him [...]".
These words have encouraged me and moved me greatly. I was also impressed by the many positive reactions on Facebook, in the positive community and in the local Aids organisation.
With this campaign, which culminates on 1 December, I hope that people with HIV will not be disadvantaged in their everyday working lives and that they will receive respect and support from their colleagues and superiors - just like me.
To the Facebook profile of Manny Müller
World Aids Day campaign website
(Manfred Müller)
