Kai

My status does not define me. Freedom means being yourself, without shame.

Freedom is very important in Kai’s life. He finds that freedom in travelling and in his work. He loves animals and music, and he gets energy from festive moments where people come together, such as Pride and King’s Day. In Amsterdam, Kai has found a place where he can truly be himself, together with his partner and their dog Theodore.

Eleven years ago, Kai received his HIV diagnosis in Russia. At that time, he felt a great deal of shame. In the Netherlands, he learned that his HIV status is nothing to be ashamed of and that it is “not something terrible”. Today, as an influencer, he uses his voice in Russian to challenge stigma around HIV and the LGBTQ+ community, especially in Russia, where stigma is still very strong. Kai is proud of the step he took to give his life a new direction. He has become a source of hope for people who are still in difficult situations.