Bright (not his real name), is a young man from the rural regions of Sarawak. Growing up in an underprivileged household, Bright learned how to take care of himself and worked hard for his education. He was given the opportunity to study Fashion and Technology at a local college in Kuching.
During his final semester, he worked at a local hotel in the city as a part-time receptionist while he waits for his convocation. There he got acquainted with his housemate, a man in his thirties. Since both of them share the same background of being in the gay community, they got along fast. Having people around him that share his experience made him more comfortable with his sexuality and Bright became more daring in meeting new people within the community.
Living in the city was hard for Bright. His salary at the hotel was not enough to pay his rent and support his daily living. It was then that somebody suggested to him to make extra income by becoming a money boy, a form of sex work. Bright would seek customers using social media and dating apps as the pay for such work helped him lighten his financial burden. He also met his partner, Aryan (not his real name) who was one of his customers.
One day, Aryan advised him to get himself tested for HIV, something that he never considered to do even after involving in sex work. He did not heed to the advice at first as he was afraid to know his status. By the time he went back to his hometown, he started to fell ill. He started to realise that might have succumb to a sexually transmitted infection.
With the help of his friend Megan (not her real name), he went to seek help at a local hospital. It was then that he was diagnosed with HIV. Bright went to a state of depression as he does not know hot face this reality and to face society. The hospital referred him to get treatment in Kuching and also suggested a few NGOs for him to seek peer support.
One of them was Teratak Kasih Tok Nan, a one stop centre for people living with HIV who are on their way to Kuching to seek treatment and support. There, he met Kak Vic, Kak Sab and Kak Liya, the coordinator and staff of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan and they became as close as siblings. Bright would confide his problems with them and received both emotional and financial support. The sense of community there was very pleasing for Bright. He was also given workshops about HIV and AIDS and how to take care of himself by being adherent to his treatment.
His life became brighter when he finally opens up about his status to his mother a few years later and she accepts him unconditionally. Now, Bright has opened his own Boutique. He aspires to be a well-known fashion designer one day. Because of the good people of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan he is very thankful for this second chance in life. In return, also has also become active in spreading awareness about HIV and AIDS especially within his own community.
