Kwame* was 17 years old when I met him. He came to my teen clinic for men after an emergency department visit for a suspected STD. While his STD tests came back normal, it allowed me to learn much more about Kwame.

Kwame was kicked out of his home by his father when he told his parents he was gay. He spent time with various friends until he felt he was overstaying his welcome and would move on to the next friend. He told me that to make ends meet he would be “a private dancer to men for cash.” He was depressed.

Three months later, when he came back to the office, we repeated STD tests and found he was now HIV positive. He engaged with the local HIV treatment program and received mental health assessment and counseling. His lab results improved over time as he was faithful in taking his HIV meds on schedule, every day. Now as a “Facebook friend” I can see that he is successful in real estate in New York and is in a long-term relationship.

Access to compassionate reproductive health care can improve a life.

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*Name changed to protect identity.