LS&Co. Unzipped

Welcome to our blog. Here’s where you’ll find a “behind-the-seams” look at what’s going on with Levi Strauss & Co. You’ll hear from a variety of voices, from both inside and outside the company. And you have the chance to share your thoughts. So read on — and weigh in!

Dec 01 2011

Testing Positive. Living Positively.

I tested positive for HIV in 1987. 

It was a scary time. I was working in Los Angeles, and no one knew much about HIV.  Rumors, assumptions and fear often overrode common sense and compassion.  

Trying to find out facts about my personal condition was difficult enough. Going to work fearing what others might think – even worrying if I could be fired because of my status – only layered on the stress. Honestly, there was nowhere to turn for confidential assistance at work back then.

I can only image how many women and men could have benefited from a workplace HIV/AIDS program like the one we have at Levi Strauss & Co. It provides a confidential route to obtain information and educate ourselves.  

Today I feel strongly that all employees – especially our young professionals in the retail environment, regardless of their HIV status – be informed, stay informed, spread empathy, encourage people to get tested, and stay healthy and stop the spread of HIV. For me, the first step at work involves working together to create a place that supports HIV knowledge and dispels HIV assumptions and misconceptions.

We have a new generation of young people at work. And, we need to talk about HIV. I chose to discuss my HIV status and my story with my employees and colleagues, so I can encourage my team to learn more, and realize that HIV/AIDS is not over…yet. But, we can end it. And we all have a role to play.

We may be reluctant as a society to discuss HIV, but if we know the facts we can make smart, personal decisions…and slow and stop the spread of HIV.

On this World AIDS Day, my hope for my staff and fellow employees – for everyone, in fact – is to never go through the experience of being informed that you are HIV-positive. Educate yourselves and know the facts, and support your friends and colleagues. 

Get tested. If you are HIV positive know everything you can to take care of yourself and stay healthy. I have for 24 years and plan on many, many more!

Posted By: Patrick H., District Manager, Levi's® Brand

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Leontyne Walke (not verified) - Dec 15 2011
I met Patrick several times during our Store Manager conference, overall a great leader and now, a true inspiration. Thank you Patrick for sharing.

Aisling (not verified) - Dec 06 2011
Patrick, you are a true inspiration. I admire your courage in sharing your story to benefit others, Bravo, Bravo.

Debbie Gebhardt (not verified) - Dec 01 2011
Let's continue to speak up about HIV/AIDS - ignorance is the root of fear, discrimination & the continued spread of this pandemic. I live in SA, the country most affected by HIV/AIDS, and I salute you & others who have the courage to share your stories!

Lisa Gillespie (not verified) - Dec 01 2011
Great post on what it is to be HIV positive and remain in the workplace. Employee Benefit News just wrote our December cover story on the very program Patrick H. touched on and how some employers can follow in their footsteps. Read it here: http://ebn.benefitnews.com/news/raising-a-wear-ness-2720149-1.html You can also watch a video with Paurvi Bhatt, who heads the strategic health initiatives and the employee HIV/AIDS program here: http://ebn.benefitnews.com/video/ As more people living with HIV/AIDS go back to work, and new people are infected, workplaces will adjust their strategy...it's already come a long way since the 90s.

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