Meet the stars George Simon Denis Shyelle Jim & Matthew James Ruaidhri Nicky Paul Sadiq Tom George Age: 21 Occupation: Musical theatre actor Hobbies: writing, movies, walks (onoy with a dog) Why I took part in the video: When I was diagnosed with HIV, I didn't think it happened to young people. I decided that I wanted to become an advocate to show the world what living with HIV is really like. ^Back to top^ Simon Age: 59 Occupation: International property developer Hobbies: competitive swimming, scuba diving, skiing, laying on a beach ^Back to top^ Denis Age: 47 Occupation: Hairdresser Hobbies: Reading, running, writing, photography ^Back to top^ Shyelle Age: 22 Occupation: Sports coach and bartender Hobbies: rugby, travelling, hockey, baking, train and plane spotting, cycling, rowing, camping, rock climbing, snorkeling ^Back to top^ Jim & Matthew Age: 54 / 50 Occupation: Theatre producer / IT consultant and hair stylist Hobbies: Theatre, travel, antiques, food and wine Why I took part in the video: I found love late in life (49) with an HIV-negative man, and I am now engaged to him. I think it’s important to stress to people that being HIV-positive and middle-aged(!) doesn’t necessarily mean you have no hope of a happy, fulfilling life. I also think it’s important to ‘come out’ as HIV-positive, just as it was important for me to come out as gay many years ago. ^Back to top^ James Age: 28 Occupation: Porn star Hobbies: climbing, travelling, horse riding, space and astronomy Why I took part in the video: Compared to other positive guys I think I've had a pretty easy ride. Don't get me wrong, the diagnosis and everything that was going around that time was far, far from plain sailing but through it all I developed an outlook on life that I'm now working towards sharing with the world. Stigma only exists if it is exists inside of yourself. Get happy, get comfortable and stop sticking on the ignorance of a population who probably (and hopefully) won't ever HIV stumble into their path. Those who understand the subject will stand with you. Those who don't won't. The only thing separating the two is a difference in education. ^Back to top^ Ruaidhri Age: 27 Occupation: Sales manager and writer Hobbies: Gym, writing, The Golden Girls Why I took part in the video: I really wanted to take part as I felt it incredibly important to promote the term "I'm Living". It sounds and feels incredibly empowering and needs to be used and referred to far more. ^Back to top^ Nicky Age: 26 Occupation: Dancer Hobbies: travelling, socialising Why I took part in the video: Since becoming HIV-positive last year I've always wanted to show and share with people everything I was being educated about - e.g. How it's not as bad as what is used to be and how it's not changing my life too much. ^Back to top^ Paul Age: 27 Occupation: Web Developer Hobbies: Reading, gaming, boozing, and rock climbing Why I took part in the video: I've been positive for 15 months now (undetectable for 11). I have friends who worked in sexual health so knew the basics about HIV and treatment etc, but still found help and comfort in videos and campaigns. I wanted to help give back and let others know it's ok and you can keep going despite your status. This is also my way of "coming out" of the HIV closet, I have friends who know about my status and I don't keep it secret but I still feel nervous whenever I tell someone new. This way I won't need to tell any more friends, they'll just know and get an initial positive (excuse the pun) view on it. ^Back to top^ Sadiq Age: 26 Occupation: Circus performer and student Hobbies: reading, music, dancing about, art, good food, days off Why I took part in the video: Since being involved with these kind of things I've been really proud of what we have done and the messages we have shared. This video was a chance to do more. ^Back to top^ Tom Age: 30 Occupation: HIV activist Hobbies: travelling, photography, gin Why I took part in the video: I decided to take part in the video to help tackle preconceptions around what it means to be HIV-positive. There are over 110,000 people living with HIV in the UK, and we’re all unique. I am an activist and I am living with HIV. ^Back to top^