How HIV patients construct liveable identities in a shame based culture: the case of Singapore

Ho, Lai Peng; Goh, Esther C. L.

John had decided that he would no longer celebrate his birthday, as he had received his HIV diagnosis on his birthday. He likened his diagnosis to a death sentence and it seemed ironic that he had been given a death sentence on his birthday. However, when he shared his testimony at a church on his birthday and they celebrated the occasion for him, he felt that it was a new beginning and, perhaps, a rebirth and a redemption. Despite the difficulties that he had and the rejections that he had suffered, he could see the good that he still had. He found the meaning to move on with his family and his painting. He also had a new circle of friends who accepted him and his medical condition.