Living with HIV for 26 years: ‘It’s possible’

Springs resident Gary Allpass, 55, a long-term HIV survivor, wants people who are infected with the virus to know there is life after infection, Springs Advertiser reports.

“There is a big stigma surrounding HIV,” he says.

“People need to realise they can survive and lead a productive life.”

READ MORE: Four big insights into HIV/AIDS that provide hope of finding a vaccine

Allpass, who was diagnosed with the virus in 1992, has been living with HIV for almost 26 years.

He has paralysis in his feet, which makes it difficult for him to walk normally, but he does so without complaining.

“My problem is balance,” he says. “If I am upright, but someone or something knocks me, even slightly, I will fall over.”

He is a very successful horse rider and has numerous awards, certificates and medals under his belt which he received throughout his equestrian career.

Due to the paralysis, he has competed in the South African Para-Dressage event and won the title in 2010 and 2011.

“I have done better than many able-bodied people.

“My advice to HIV positive people is to come to terms with what is wrong and go for counselling.

“Speak to a family member or trusted friend about your situation.

“If you bottle it up, you will die.”

Allpass explains he was given six months to live when doctors diagnosed him with the virus.

“At that time, people didn’t have a lot of knowledge about it.”

Over and above having the virus, Allpass explains he has knocked on death’s door three times due to a stroke, and various illnesses including pneumonia and kidney failure.

“I have overcome all of this.”

In 2008, Allpass claimed he was unfairly dismissed from an equestrian centre when his condition became known.

Instead of accepting this fate, Allpass set out to ensure that employees with HIV/Aids are treated more fairly in the workplace.

He took his case to court and when he won the judgement in the Allpass vs Mooikloof case for unfair dismissal, the law regarding HIV/Aids and an employer’s ability to fire a staff member based on their status was changed.

Read the full judgment here.

In 2015, Allpass qualified for the Rio Paralympics, but was unable to compete due to circumstances.

He is debating whether he is up for another round at the 2020 Paralympics and hopes to find a horse and sponsor to enable him to qualify.

Despite the struggles and unfairness he went through regarding his HIV status, Allpass has overcome the challenge and fought for his rights.

“People must stand up and declare: ‘I don’t care if I’m HIV positive, I have rights’,” Allpass says.

Four big insights into HIV/AIDS that provide hope of finding a vaccine

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