In a world where so many fight to end stigma and advocate for HIV prevention, there are unsung heroes who deserve recognition. One such hero is Timothy Javone Webb Jr., a dedicated HIV activist, educator, and humanitarian who has spent over 20 years traveling the world, changing lives, and making an impact in the fight against HIV. I had the privilege of chatting with Timothy about his journey, and his story is nothing short of inspiring.
Johneri’O: How has your experience of living with HIV evolved over the past 20 years?
Timothy: My experience has evolved tremendously. When I was first diagnosed 20 years ago, there was very little knowledge or discussion about HIV prevention and treatment. It was almost taboo—something people didn’t talk about. Back then, you had to figure out care on your own, rely on faith, and build your own support system. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has completely changed. The advancements in medication are powerful; people are living longer, and there are more prevention options and services available than ever before.
Johneri’O: Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey that significantly impacted your perspective on living with HIV?
Timothy: The most pivotal moment was when I first found out I was HIV positive. It forced me to grow up quickly and decide how I was going to handle it. Was I going to let HIV define my life, or was I going to turn those lemons into lemonade? I chose to move forward, find the support I needed, and even create support systems for others. That moment was when I discovered my strength.
Johneri’O: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced living with HIV, and how have you overcome them?
Timothy: One of the biggest challenges was finding the right support group and resources to help me manage HIV. Back then, support and educational resources were scarce. If you didn’t know someone else living with HIV, you could feel completely alone, which often led to keeping it a secret. I overcame these challenges by speaking out and creating spaces where people like me could come together to discuss our experiences and find the support we needed. That included access to medication, care assistance, counseling, and building a community that understood what we were going through.
Johneri’O: What are some of the most significant advancements in HIV treatment and care that you’ve witnessed?
Timothy: The advancements in medication have been incredible. We’ve gone from people taking multiple pills a day to manage HIV to now having single-pill regimens. And today, we have prevention methods that simply didn’t exist before. The support and resources have also improved dramatically. Organizations and pharmaceutical companies now provide medical insurance, food, and housing assistance, helping individuals live more stress-free lives while managing HIV.
Johneri’O: How has your role in HIV care changed over the years, and what are you most proud of in your career?
Timothy: My role has evolved from seeking resources to live longer with HIV to now being someone who creates those spaces and helps others. I’m also actively working to end the stigma surrounding HIV. What I’m most proud of is the recognition I’ve received for my work in various communities. It empowers me to keep going and gives my life a sense of purpose.
Johneri’O: What are your hopes for the future of HIV care and treatment, both for yourself and for others living with the virus?
Timothy: My biggest hope is for a cure and to see the stigma around HIV completely erased. I want people to fully embrace the care, treatment, testing, and prevention options available for HIV/AIDS.
Johneri’O: What advice would you give someone who may have just found out about their HIV diagnosis?
Timothy: My advice is simple: keep going! HIV is not a death sentence. You can live a long, healthy life with HIV. Remember, you have HIV—it doesn’t have you!
You can connect with Timothy on his social media platforms at: Timothy Webb on Facebook, and @Javonehotboi on Instagram. You can even email him at Timothy.webb@aidatlanta.org
This is an interview from HIV advocate Johneri’O Scott. You can follow up him on Instagram at: @itsjohnerio.
