Meet Duane

Duane grew up an honors student in a small town in Idaho. Less than two years after graduation he was diagnosed with HIV. This life-changing event caused him to quit his acting and modeling career and struggle with what living with HIV would mean for him. Duane began to see how sharing his story of living with HIV could be useful for other young people to hear. This is how he describes what happened next:

"It was at this point that I realized if I could get HIV, then there was more information that needed to be out there. People, especially youth, needed to be concerned and aware of HIV and AIDS. People need to know the truth and have the myths dispelled. I first started this by sharing my story with students in junior high and high schools, colleges, universities, Job Corps, detention centers, youth programs, and to anyone else who would listen. At first this was survival; I had to make my life valid again. I believe people who are HIV positive need to share their stories so people can realize it can happen to them and how many people are affected by HIV and AIDS."

Today Duane is the founder and Executive Director of Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS in downtown Boise, Idaho. The goal of the organization is to connect the general public to HIV and AIDS services as well as other sexual and reproductive health services. He produced an award-winning video with his family about their experience with HIV that has been approved by the Idaho Department of Education and Idaho STD/AIDS Program. Duane also developed a website, www.imjustmejustlikeyou.com, to provide support and resources to those affected by HIV and AIDS and other sexual health issues.

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