Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
When Jeffrey Payne learned he was HIV-positive in 2008, he didn't let the sobering news keep him from pursuing a lifelong dream: to enter and win a Dallas leatherman competition. That win ultimately propelled 42-year-old Payne to the top of the competition circuit in May 2009 when he was crowned International Mr. Leather. Now, at the end of his yearlong reign, Payne reflects on what it's like to publicly be the ultimate leatherman and simultaneously try to shatter HIV stigma -- at appearances in more than 30 cities across five continents. What drove you to compete for the IML title and the contests leading up to it? I entered for personal and community reasons. The personal reasons were to test my own limits and comfort zone. The community reasons were to give a larger voice to issues I feel are important and to be the voice of a community that I absolutely love and care for. Were you open about your HIV status during competition? I was very open about it. In fact, during the speech portion at the IML contest, I spoke about being HIV-positive. I wanted to let others know that it was my local community -- the Dallas leather community -- that helped me through the emotional roller coaster when I found out I was positive. My community didn't shun me or avoid me but quite the opposite; it embraced me more than ever and helped me. As the IML titleholder, you've participated in nearly 50 public events. Did you speak about HIV at those? I do use the title as a springboard to being vocal about HIV issues. To a certain degree, there is still a stigma attached to HIV-positive people, and being given the chance to speak about HIV gives me the opportunity to hopefully lessen that stigma. Some folks like to keep blinders on and avoid the topic, so we need to keep pushing to ensure that everyone has frank and honest discussions. Even among gay men, there's often a divide between HIV-negative and HIV-positive people. Does that exist in the leather community? To an extent, I would say a divide exists; however, it is one that is shrinking. More people are being open about the subject and are developing a growing understand about HIV. However, broadening HIV awareness shouldn't be limited to the leather community. It should be happening everywhere. We seem to have reached this era of complacency concerning HIV, where some people are under the belief that contracting the virus is not such a bad thing. That's bullshit! So what's been the crowd reaction in general to your candidness about your life with HIV? It's been terrific! In fact, at one conference where I gave a speech about being HIV-positive, one of the MCs also came out of the "HIV closet" and said he'd been positive for eight years but never felt comfortable telling anyone before. I know that if I continue to share my journey, others like him may draw strength and be able to free themselves of those invisible chains that HIV has wrapped around them.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
The Most Amazing HIV Allies & Advocates of 2023
November 03 2023 12:51 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
This OnlyFans Star Is Trying to Raise $100K to Fight HIV
December 26 2023 3:05 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
The naked Black body takes center stage in this HIV campaign
January 03 2024 1:07 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Mr. Gay World wants to make sure you're OK
January 02 2024 4:56 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Todrick Hall has long supported the communities he comes from
April 17 2024 12:02 PM
Our May/June issue of Plus is here!
April 17 2024 12:00 PM
Giselle Byrd is taking center stage — and helping others do the same
April 10 2024 2:24 PM
Discover endless fun at The Pride Store: Games & electronics for all ages
April 09 2024 4:25 PM
Mean Girls' Daniel Franzese on playing an HIV+ character
April 09 2024 3:57 PM
HIV-positive Air Force, Navy servicemembers victorious in lawsuit
April 09 2024 3:02 PM
Unlocking a new level of beauty with Dr Botanicals' ethical skincare line
April 08 2024 3:40 PM
Unleash your wild side with The Pride Store’s beginner’s guide to kink
April 08 2024 3:35 PM
Why are mpox cases in the U.S. on the rise again?
April 08 2024 1:30 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
Adult entertainment icons Derek Kage & Cody Silver lead fight for free speech
April 03 2024 3:06 PM
LGBTQ+ patients twice as likely to face discrimination: survey
April 02 2024 4:57 PM
Spring into The Pride Store’s top new arrivals for April
April 02 2024 4:39 PM
Nashville PD Must Pay HIV-Positive Man Denied a Job
April 01 2024 6:22 PM
Common has a message on how to foster self-love
March 29 2024 7:33 PM
Listen to Dr. Levine: Take syphilis seriously
March 28 2024 6:40 PM
Breaking boundaries in gender-free fashion with Stuzo Clothing
March 27 2024 2:15 PM
Find your perfect fit with gender-inclusive fashion from The Pride Store
March 26 2024 2:16 PM