CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hakim Robinson was diagnosed with HIV at the beginning of 2021. He says the diagnosis was a surprise. 

“It was just a normal routine checkup, and they told me, 'hey, did you know you were HIV positive?' … I didn't know,” Robinson said. 

December is HIV/AIDs awareness month, when organizations fight to increase awareness and decrease stigma surrounding the virus

Recent CDC studies show an increase in new HIV cases and a decrease in testing for the virus 

Charlotte resident Hakim Robinson recently came out with his status on social media, saying he wants others to feel safe sharing theirs

He says when he told his family, community and partner, they were all supportive. Then, he decided to come out to social media about his status. 

“My name is Hakim Robinson and I was diagnosed with HIV this year. My status is not a death sentence,” Robinson said, reading from his Facebook post. “My name is Hakim Robinson and I was diagnosed with HIV this year. My status is not a death sentence,” Robinson said, reading from his Facebook post. 

Robinson says his post garnered more than 500 likes and more than 70 comments, all thanking him for his bravery and sending encouragement. 

Robinson says while his diagnosis was a surprise, he wants other people to understand the importance of knowing their status. 

“You don't want it to hit the final stage where you have to make life plans for the afterlife,” Robinson said.  

He says HIV is no longer the death sentence it used to be, and medication is an option. 

“It also extends the life and prevents AIDS. Taking it every day and knowing you're going to live after is an underrated blessing,” he said. 

Robinson says he will continue to use his voice to inspire others, reminding them that “knowing is half the battle.”

“It's OK to get checked, it's OK to know your status if you spread it out to the community, other people might be inspired to know their status,” he said. 

Members of RAO Community Health say they are continuing the fight to increase testing and getting creative in their outreach. CEO Bernard Davis says their efforts meet people where they are. 

“We use the avenue of the dating sites such as Jacked, for example," Davis said. "We just really went on there and posted, and said if you want to know more about HIV or PrEP, head to RAO Community Health’s website."