Rick Guasco

Friends make taking my HIV medication fun!

“When we’ve exhausted all other methods for addressing a question, the non-human primate plays a critical role in helping [with] that last step before we go into clinical trials,” says the director of the Washington National Primate Research Center
www.positivelyaware.com/cdc-primate-research-to-end

“For Black women, barriers still show up everywhere,” writes Latonia Wilkins, BSW. “The science has moved forward, but the system surrounding it is not equitable.”
www.positivelyaware.com/i-saw-myself

New drug combo holds for people with HIV who are on complex regimens

Results from the ARTISTRY-1 study show the new bictegravir-lenacapavir combo was statistically comparable to other existing pill regimens, although specific data were not disclosed.
positivelyaware.com/bic-len-holds-promise

Despite plans to downsize and dismantle UNAIDS by the end of 2026, former program coordinating board member Christian Hui says the organization is uniquely positioned to lead the global fight against HIV.
www.positivelyaware.com/articles/why...

Taking my HIV medication while waiting for my microwavable oatmeal.

Happy Friday starts with my HIV medication and this little guy.

“...we have never been closer to losing it all—the systems, services and scientific breakthroughs that have brought us to this point are all at risk unless we come together,” says Jeremiah Johnson as HIV advocates ring the opening bell at Nasdaq to call for action.
positivelyaware.com/opening-bell

Chocolate chip cookie or my HIV medication? Which am I having first?

Nonstop busy today. I had to stop for a moment to take my HIV medication.

This year’s World AIDS Day is a reminder that we’ve dealt with government denial, ignorance and stigma before. One way to address those is by living by example and normalize life with HIV. And so I take my HIV medication.

No one ‘gets’ AIDS anymore

His doctor had once told him, “Once you’ve developed a diagnosis of AIDS, you will always be a person living with AIDS.” If “AIDS” is now considered an obsolete term, advocate Robert Toth asks, “What does that make me?”

www.positivelyaware.com/no-one-gets-aids-anymore

Enjoying being out in the snow, so I’m outside taking my HIV medication.

“Happiness is equilibrium. Shift your weight.”

—Tom Stoppard
(July 3, 1937–November 29, 2025)

“Fantasy flows in where fact leaves a vacuum.”

—Tom Stoppard
(July 3, 1937–November 29, 2025)

It’s snowing! A perfect day to go out, get some of my favorite chicken tacos and take my #HIV medication. I love weather like this.

“Better a fallen rocket than never a burst of light.”
—Tom Stoppard
(July 3, 1937–November 29, 2025)

I made a smoothie this morning to go with my HIV medication.

G-2would be G-1 with a big dupe thinking he was First.

Expressing gratitude on a day for giving thanks.

Taking my HIV medication during the Thanksgiving potluck at work. I have no idea what the white stuff on my face is; I only hope it wasn’t food. And I have no idea why my colleagues didn’t tell me before I recorded this.

Four advocates share their insight, identify key players in Congress, and talk about how they persuade and inform legislators to preserve funding for HIV programs—and what you can do to help.
positivelyaware.com/PA-roundtable-1

YouTube video by Republic Records Wicked: For Good The Soundtrack - Wonderful (Official Lyric Video)

Lyrics for our time.

Facts and logic won't unchoke 'em
They'll go on believing what they want to
Show them exactly what's the score
They'll just believe it even more

The truth is not a thing of fact or reason
The truth is just what everyone agrees on

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlUh...

If it’s Monday morning, I’m starting the week with my HIV medication.

That’s one way to out it: Yes, “there’s so much good left to do.”

Why Is Leaving MAGA So Difficult? Rich Logis was a MAGA warrior before he hung up his red hat, and founded the organization Leaving MAGA to help others do the same. He speaks with the New Yorker Radio Hour producer Adam Howard.

A former MAGA follower on leaving MAGA:
“You can’t sever yourself from the movement, unless one takes accountability. And taking accountability means reclaiming your individuality & reclaiming your humanity... but when being in MAGA, we lose sight of that humanity.”
www.newyorker.com/podcast/the-...

He’s more than a plastic frog. For me, he symbolizes love and is a reminder that I’m not alone. My former partner Eric gave him to me several years ago. When I thought I’d lost him, I called Eric in tears. And then I found him, in my jeans pocket in a pile of laundry. He’s been through a lot w/me.

Sunday breakfast—blueberry french toast and my HIV medication.

Saturday morning and breakfast with my HIV medication