Wade Schaerer

As a person livng with HIV am I passionate about creating awareness in my community.

Through my activism and social media platforms I have worked closely with a community that has been brought to it's knees by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It has allowed me to focus on a population that has often been neglected and stigmatized by our society. Social stigmas, racism, homophobia, and lack of education have caused many people living with HIV/AIDS to feel like outcasts in their own families and communities.

I am committed to educating people who have recieved an HIV diagnosis on the importance of seeking treatment and care as soon as possible. I have also advocated for a change in regulations for Air Crew Members living with HIV to have the right to commence ARV treatment without the fear of losing their jobs. Sometimes culture can have a negative impact on people living with HIV and their successes in managing their condition. Therefore, it is important that I incorporate cultural sensitivity into my activism, tackling myths about HIV/AIDS by encouraging learning and advocacy.

I reinforce self-care and medication adherence. I have been involved in safer sex campaigns which encourage condom use.

I have been a brand ambassador and influencer for MAX condoms, as well as BioSURE HIV self test.