In the final episode of season 1, Eric talks to Ismail Harerimana a young man from Uganda. The co-publisher of a magazine, Kigezi Teens, Ismail stands out with his personal style and passion for supporting young people. But he did not always see himself as a media mogul. Ismail talks to Eric about his early dreams of joining the military and how learning about his HIV status closed this door. He shares how he reinvented his future, finding a way to serve his country in a different way.

Learn more about Ismail at https://pedaids.org/2024/12/20/a-change-of-plans/.

Learn more about Kigezi Teens: https://www.facebook.com/kigeziteenmagazine/.

In this episode, Eric talks to Elina Mwasinga a young woman from Malawi who is dedicated to seeing an end of HIV for all people, no matter where they live. When Elina was growing up in the 1990s, HIV was destroying communities. There was no treatment, cure, or hope. Today, HIV is no longer a death sentence thanks to advances in treatment, but still incurable. Elina shares how she has been fighting in Malawi and at the global level to ensure a cure for HIV is possible and accessible for everyone.

Get to know Elina more at https://pedaids.org/2024/11/12/hope-for-a-cure/

In this episode, Eric talks to Jane Emmanuel a young mother and community advocate from Tanzania. Jane took on the role of teacher when she was teenager, acting as peer leader who educated other people living with HIV about what was possible. She knew the science and confidently shared how easy it is for women living with HIV to have HIV-free children. But that perspective shifted when she had her own daughter. Jane shares her lived experience of having a child, what motherhood means, and how this has transformed her outreach.

Learn more about Jane at https://pedaids.org/2024/11/05/a-mother-on-a-mission/

In this episode, Eric talks to Brian Ahimbisibwe a program officer, psychosocial support living and working in southwest Uganda. Brian goes back in time, to share about his experience as a teenager living with HIV and searching for his one true love. He talks about the stigma he faced and how he pushed forward to not allow his status to be a barrier to the love he deserved.

Read his story at https://pedaids.org/2024/10/29/power-of-love/https://pedaids.org/2024/10/29/power-of-love/.

In this episode, Eric talks to Emish Ondiek a young pharmacist living in Kenya. Born with HIV, Emish grew up facing stigma for his status at home, at school, and with his peers. But this did not stop him. Pulling from the strength of the mother he never knew, Emish shares how he has gone beyond discrimination to build a career in science.

Note to listeners: This episode contains discussion around suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please visit iasp.info to find a help line in your country.

Learn more about Emish at https://pedaids.org/2024/10/22/emish-ondieks-source-of-strength/.

In this episode, Eric talks to Ashley Rose Murphy a young woman living with HIV in Canada. Most people who meet Ashley Rose today would be surprised to learn that only a few years ago she was one of the most prominent HIV activists in Canada. She shares about her journey to activism and why she has stepped back from public speaking to reclaim an ordinary life and build a future on her own terms.

Learn more about Ashley Rose at https://pedaids.org/2024/10/15/ordinary-is-extraordinary/

In this episode, Eric talks to Josephine Nabukenya nonprofit founder from Uganda. Born with HIV, Josphine found her voice at young age and dreamed of making an impact. She shares how she went beyond her own dreams to support the next generation of young leaders.

Learn more about Josephine and her work at https://pedaids.org/2024/10/08/josephines-dream/.

Learn more about Miles of Smiles at https://mosmiles.org/ .

In this episode, Eric Bond talks to Aunty Botee, a trans activist and social media content creator from Lesotho. Aunty Botee shares her journey from a boy child growing up in rural village in Lesotho to a young person searching for identity to a woman living with HIV, speaking up for LGBTI people. Her passion is about finding freedom and helping others live beyond their circumstances.

Note to listeners: This episode contains discussion around HIV, sex work, and violence.

Learn more about Aunty Botee at https://pedaids.org/2024/10/01/becoming-aunty-botee/.

Beyond+ is a production of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF). Learn more about EGPAF at https://pedaids.org/.