It started with his vision. An infection made itself known in and around Matt Schiermeier's eyes, leading a doctor to suspect he had AIDS. Like many in the decades before him, when the disease ran through a series of titles—G.R.I.D., gay compromise syndrome, gay cancer—Matt's heart sank at the news. Rather coldly, says Matt, the ophthalmologist mentioned that the last time he had seen this specific infection, the patient died within two weeks. A few blood tests later it became reality: Matt was HIV positive. And his T-cell count had fallen below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood—the cutoff point, where HIV becomes full-blown AIDS.
After the diagnosis, Matt was as certain in his future as he was of the source of his infection—he'd only been in one relationship with a man before contracting the disease. "I cried and was pretty upset for about a day. It didn't take me long to snap out of it and realize there was no way, shape or form that HIV was going to kill me," Matt recalls, his voice bearing the weight of the memory. "It was the end of the fear." That was in 2000.
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Ten years later, 33-year-old Matt's vision has improved, but HIV/AIDS remains in his focus. "I want people to look at me and see that this is what being HIV positive can look like. I have a dream to show people that I'm positive, strong, healthy and in a great relationship," he announces for the first time to the world.
Read more about Matt and Cam in our July/August issue, out now!
Matt, you,re a brave man, I admire you for your strengh to keep on fighting. You are an example for all of us. God bless you.
+1
... written by Warrior1,
July 10, 2010
Matt, there are so many of us that feel like we're damaged goods. So we settle for less than what we could have or become. I applaud you for your perseverance. I hope you are an inspiration for those who need it most!
Cam, stand by your man!
+1
... written by jake2010,
July 12, 2010
some people are waste of energy, (above) Matt, you are amazing.. I joined your site yesterday. You and Cameron are beautiful people. The "BIO'S" on the both of you are impressive. You truly opened your heart for us all to see. When people leave remarks such as above, I could only imagine it fuels you more. If anyone wants to know Matt and Cameron's "entire story", then join their site where you may better inform yourself before making a wastefull comment. He tells everything!
@Rockit: How could you post something so hateful like that? Do you even know Matt? I do. I grew up with him and graduated from high school with him. He is a very nice, very genuine person. Yeah, he made a mistake in his past. Who hasn't? People sometimes make mistakes and do things that are hurtful to themselves or others; your ignorant post is evidence that you aren't above mistakes, either. You have no right to judge Matt for his past or Cameron for his choice in who he loves. Matt is here publicly telling his story. He's not hiding it. My guess is that you are jealous of two guys who are happy, good looking, and have learned how to love in the face of a challenge such as theirs.
+2
... written by Matt&Cameron,
July 17, 2010
WOW...Thank you to all the above comments. We truly appreciate all your support. We know that in taking this on ,we may be faced with some people who may not have the nicest of things to say. I'm ok with that What matters most to me is the people's lives in which we can touch. I came out with my story because I wanted to stand strong behind HIV/AIDS, supporting and giving back to this cause. I have recieved many e-mails from individuals who think that their lives are over. They perceive themselves as people who are less deserving. These same few then pick up the latest issue of INSTINCT MAGAZINE, reading a story of honesty and truth between 2 men, assuring them their feelings regarding this fear are proven otherwise. We are here to help make a difference, and if some do not respect that, then I could only ask to please support our wishes and keep negative comments set aside from the "blogs". I have come such a far way in conquering certain tasks in my life. Through this, mistakes were made, lessons were learned.. Ultimatley this has brought me to a place where I stand strong and confident with Cameron. We are here to share our lives so that people may have a closer look, potentially seeing that some may not have to make these choices so they may make healthier and smarter decisions.. Through ones extraordinary circumstance, whether it be, HIV or any other challenge, a healthy relationship may still exist. Having a more positive outlook on life and Love are all possible achievements..
Your friend, Matt&Cameron S&E TogetherForGood
+2
... written by CRITTER,
July 20, 2010
Hey Guys.. I wish to both of you the best of luck...As someone that was in a serodiscorant relationship in the past I understand the struggles it may present. I wish you guys all the best!
-1
... written by 59456615,
July 22, 2010
love you guy forvever,
+0
... written by Tim L.,
July 23, 2010
I joined your site too recently and i have nothing but praise, love and respect for the both of you. I wish you both much success in all you endevour. You are such an inspiration , i wish my world could be filled with folks like you. It doesn't hurt that your easy on the eyes either
+0
... written by Roger Kert,
July 25, 2010
now that is one healthy poz!!!!!!!!!!!
Good job
+0
... written by TONKA2,
August 23, 2010
You both are an inspiration to me and now your inspiration is reaching the rest of the world. I am so proud. I hope you both truly know how much I love and appreciate your friendship. I miss you. p.s.things are going really well in MN and I will be home before you know it.
+0
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September 11, 2010
Hey Matt! Congratulations on getting to the place you are. I am very happy for you. You have proven that your beauty is more than skin deep. Chris (from PrideFloat)
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