Positive Voice - Raising awareness of HIV | Emma Cole | TEDxGuildford

Having grown up in the 1980s Emma Cole’s first introduction to AIDS was the icebergs and tombstone adverts put out in the UK but as she did not consider herself as one of the ‘risk’ groups being targeted it was not something she ever expected to encounter. Then on September 11th 1991 shortly after graduating from university Emma was diagnosed HIV positive - that was the day the she realised HIV did not discriminate. Emma has chosen to speak publicly about living with HIV for over 25 years and launched her 'Positive Voice' HIV talks to schools in 2002 after surviving her original prognosis of 8-10 years to live . She now speaks annually at over 100 schools across the UK and Europe.
Huge advances have been made with respect to HIV and yet people who are HIV positive still face stigma and discrimination. To address the lack of tolerance around HIV Emma chose to be visible and challenge the misperceptions that many people have about HIV; she made that decision as a newly diagnosed woman in 1991 and continues that today as a long term survivor.
For more information find Emma on Twitter @emmacolehiv or positivevoice-e... Emma was diagnosed HIV positive in 1991 and has chosen to speak publicly about living with HIV for over 25 years. She launched her 'Positive Voice' HIV talks to schools in 2002 after surviving her original prognosis of 8-10 years to live and now speaks annually at over 100 schools across the UK and Europe. Emma was one of three women featured in the critically acclaimed 2001 BBC documentary ‘Positive Women’.
Emma made a decision after her diagnosis to speak out publicly as an HIV positive woman in an attempt to breakdown the misconceptions that many had, and still have about HIV. In delivering her Positive Voice talks she continues that commitment but also now brings the perspective of a long-term survivor. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@antoniad.8515]

She talked in my school today! Very impressive woman!

[@emmacole7170]

Thank you! Always appreciate feedback from pupils who have heard me at their school. Emma

[@bladebrown4341]

@@emmacole7170 Thank you for doing this. I'm HIV+ I live in NYC and was infected after being poked in my back on a bus last year. Still can't believe I didn't get it check out immediately at an hospital. The guy who sat behind me is probably still out there doing this to other people. I cried alot over the year

[@emmacole7170]

For those wondering which family member rejected me after I featured in the BBC documentary 'Positive Women' it was my Mum. Still no contact since 2001 when the programme was broadcast.

[@justinamusyoka4986]

So ,how's your relationship with her now?

[@emmacole7170]

@@justinamusyoka4986 Sadly I've still had no contact with my Mum since the programme was televised in 2001.

[@justinamusyoka4986]

@@emmacole7170 you're strong woman Emma and more days will be added to you. I think its unfair for your mum to take side with the disease and fail to offer the requisite comfort to you. We need to be strong because other deadlier diseases will come and will only progress depending on how we managed Hiv. Peace to you.

[@mattpye2497]

Has this changed since the 'other' retrovirus is now affecting the world? Only the route of transmission is different.

[@neasacoyne2706]

Dear Emma, thank you for your frank and honest talk on HIV. I as a mother of two wonderful children could never turn my back on either and I don’t know how a parent could do such a thing. I am sorry for judging your mother but I cannot understand her mentality. You are a strong ,brave lady and your mother should be proud she gave birth to such a daughter.

[@noahburns6042]

Emma gave an hour talk in my school today, but I wish it had been longer. She was extremely entertaining and open in what she said, not losing my attention, or anyone else's for that matter, for the whole of her presentation. I hope she keeps doing what she's doing; Emma is a natural talent in public speaking and her story, and the way she told it, extremely interesting and engaging.

[@sherrysimpson9536]

All thanks to Dr Abiola on KZbin for curing me permanently from HIV virus ❤️...

[@imarchitecture]

Saw u talk in our school :)) congrats with everything ur doing!!

[@SusieW-ku4ub]

Brilliant talk Emma. Thank YOU for your courage and strength of spirit. God Bless you. 💜

[@delanyzuniga1064]

Emma is incredibly brave to share her story and talk publicly to be able to remove the stigma around HIV

[@nidupgyeltshen5719]

This was so inspiring. I am currently working on an advocacy campaign on reducing stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS and your talk helped a lot. Thanks again Emma.

[@emmacole7170]

Good luck with your campaign.

[@discodivakym1]

What a brave and inspiring lady! A very well presented story

[@DMR1010]

Thank you Emma, just listened to your SA podcast. Incredibly informative and insightful. I can’t imagine the lives you’ve touched over the last few decades. Have the best life with your partner 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@simac1687]

Very powerful, moving and informative... Gave me goosebumps !!!

[@zhangao4530]

💓Such a strong woman.

[@tinam7433]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@patrickborro2000]

To the people who are HIV Positive, I know many of you are scared...just know that you are loved by your family and friends as ''You'' (with or without HIV). Never lose hope...you can still live your life to the fullest with the medicine available. Also, research this past few years are gaining ground to eradicating this virus. You may reply if you need someone to talk to.

[@sherrysimpson9536]

All thanks to Dr Abiola on KZbin for curing me permanently from HIV virus ❤️...

[@mpat100]

blessings good health and good luck for Emma

[@denisewozniak]

Fabulous, Emma!

[@jeffjavens1215]

That was beautiful.

[@johnpierce3420]

how can i help you

[@johnpierce3420]

Dani The Fiend hi

[@Perspar1]

Amazing talk, definitely learnt a few things.

[@fulirabegum8795]

Sexopen

[@kithand1106]

She's really funny, but this crowd is so dry. They barely laughed at any of her jokes.

[@justinamusyoka4986]

This is great talk especially for those living with the virus to get stronger and also those without to be warned to stay safe.

[@emmacole7170]

Thank you Justina...I always hope by speaking out it will help others.

[@henrybaba1701]

am grateful doctor obinna who cured me of hiv under 2 weeks,keep saving life you can contact him on WhatsApp [phone] )

[@sherrysimpson9536]

@@emmacole7170 All thanks to Dr Abiola on KZbin for curing me permanently from HIV virus ❤️...

[@min22888]

im proud of you, you've been made the world better.tqvm

[@scarlettchappendenden9059]

Brilliant lady! xx

[@KimPhilby203]

Still Relevant... Sending Love Emma

[@kev2352]

Emma comes across such a lovely person. 😍

[@aperson2020]

Wow 👏 Soooo beautifully done. Awesome 👌

[@nelliediemo]

I'm so inspired!

[@brooketaylor799]

What happened to the guy? Was that considered a crime then? Be well!

[@mercyfred4431]

Thank you Dr Osas for curing me from HIV am forever grateful sir

[@claudiakanyembo5949]

Hello Emma,you are really amazing.i would really to exchange with you personally.please

[@millieplatt2171]

i can relate🐱💁🏼‍♀️😔😟ik how u feel stay strong karen 💪🏻

[@millieplatt2171]

johnnys are the one

[@davelow11]

I love u

[@millieplatt2171]

wrf ian was mine

[@millieplatt2171]

sorry emmq

[@millieplatt2171]

🤟😘🤪love u karen u rebel, karen’s need fun

[@justinamusyoka4986]

Why do you sound direspectable?