Glitz Glam Opens Up About Being Pozitively Fearless at a Young Age

San Diego is America's finest city and home to Glitz Glam! It is not just a state of mind--Glitz Glam is on a restaurant menu. Glitz Glam is seen on a Hillcrest Trolley. Glitz Glam has been a staple of the San Diego Drag community since 2008.

You would never guess that the person behind the persona of Glitz Glam was once told, that he would not live to see the age of thirty. Back in 1997 Glitz Glam was known simply as Jesse.  He was diagnosed HIV positive in 1997.

Feeling flu like symptoms, Jesse had a suspicion he would be receiving more than a flu diagnosis. He had been in a relationship with an HIV-positive guy at the time, and had knowingly participated in unprotected sex.  Yes, Jesse received the news that he was HIV-positive. He remembers the feeling of bugs crawling under his skin despite how prepared he thought he was to receive the news.

Jesse began getting mixed advice about following a treatment plan. He was wary of the medication AZT. It was rumored that the government was using AZT to start the AIDS virus.

He was given an ultimatum: don’t take the medication and you live 5-7 years or take the potentially toxic drug and live 10-15 years. Unsure of what was to come, he decided to start the medical regiment which consisted of twenty-five pills a day! 

While staring Death in the face Jesse lost his fear and gained his will to live.  Drag became his shield. It was an escape from his dark reality. This led to the creation of his alter-ego Glitz Glam. Jesse wanted people to see the beautiful, creative creature that was within--GlItz Glam! 

A star was born! Glitz Glam (GG) sparked his twenty-year journey and platform. GG was the catalyst to educate & empower people living with HIV.  GG dedicated himself to becoming a part of every campaign and fundraiser his schedule would permit. He found himself a resource for others who had recently been affected by the epidemic. It also helped GG answer an important question: "When do I tell someone that I am HIV positive?” This was a particularly difficult question given the political climate, but by advocating so fiercely, Glitz reduced the number of people he had to “come out” to.

Revealing your status can be a particularly daunting task, and there is no universal “step-by-step” guide. GG learned that you have to accept your HIV diagnosis and always be honest about it. If HIV is a part of your story, accept it and love yourself.

Dealing with a new HIV-diagnosis is difficult to say the least, so he professed to others to first take inventory of their blessings. He wakes up grateful every day for the abundance in his life, twenty years later after his diagnosis.

Then, GG suggests finding your inner circle of confidants to form your support system. Without the love & support of friends & family, Jesse claims he would have never made it this far. He’s thankful for living in America’s Finest City with his partner of 14 years, and husband Anthony, who is the rock of his support system. 

Jesse's diagnosis wasn’t the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter-- living “louder, brighter, with more glitter, and more sparkle.” Hiding your diagnosis to the people closest to you is stressful. Hiding your diagnosis only compounds the negative effects that HIV inflicts on the body.

Do the research and ask your doctor lots of questions. Talk to other HIV+ individuals that are thriving with their diagnosis. But most of all be open. Be honest. Take care of yourself. Finally, remember: When in doubt--Glitz Glam it out!

Written by: Carol Ledezma & Ben HowardVIDA is launching "Youth Corner" where we interview someone from our community who became poz at a young age and how they overcame stigmas and fears. Our goal is to remind people young and old to live life, healthy and poztively, get tested and talk.

Thank you Glitz Glam for opening up and sharing your life story. It has moved me and others. Thank you for being a friend and a movement.