When you think of the AIDS epidemic, a few words may pass through your mind. Illness, fear, death, and probably gay. After the first case was discovered in 1981, people began referring to the disease as “gay cancer” or “gay plague.” And it was seen as a death sentence. Even years later, after many improvements in science and medicine and a significantly longer life expectancy for HIV positive people, there is still a stigma around AIDS. Stories in media about AIDS and the queer community still usually end in tragedy and death. But people like Zach Stafford are fighting to break the stigma. He is a storyteller who is determined to spread positivity and hope to the community.Be sure to follow Zach on IG.Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Sebastian AlcalaHave an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at pride@strawhutmedia.com.*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices