Bob Poe Announces; "I'm HIV positive."
Bob Poe, a candidate for Florida's 10th Congressional District, revealed on Thursday that he is HIV positive.
In a press release Poe said;
"Eighteen years ago, I was diagnosed with HIV. Don't worry - I'm perfectly healthy, and I feel great. But, that's largely because I got tested - and as soon as I was diagnosed, I started treatment. Why am I telling you this, and why now? It's because there's a lot of fear, shame, and stigma surrounding HIV - and it's totally unnecessary. Watch the video below, and hear why I'm sharing this news.
I've always said, if you want to make a difference, you have to be the difference. And I didn't want to wait until I get to Congress to be that difference.
That's why it's time to start a new conversation in our Central Florida community on this issue. A conversation that lets people who feel alone and afraid know that with the right treatment, they can have all their hopes and dreams - just like I have.
I hope you'll join me on this journey."
In the video Poe said he felt compelled to reveal his diagnosis after encountering a recently diagnosed HIV positive woman while canvassing in District 10.
"She told me that she's recently been diagnosed with HIV and thought she had a death sentence," Poe said. "I really just wanted to hug her and let her know that I, too, have HIV and that I've been able to live out all of my hopes and all of my dreams, and she could, too."
He revealed the diagnosis in an interview with Watermark Magazine as well as a video posted to his Facebook page.
Poe's opponents for the Democrat primary on August 30th are Val Demmings, Geraldine Thompson and Fatima Fahmy.
