USSR's first HIV-positive man still enjoys life at the age 53

The man diagnosed with HIV in 1987 was fired from police immediately when his homosexual preferences were made public

Nikolay Panchenko was the first Soviet citizen officially registered as HIV-positive in 1987. That was so long ago that anyone could guess the man is not alive today, but in fact Nikolay is alive and has no inclination to die. At the age of 53 this HIV-positive man looks much better than other healthy people of his age. Indeed, he wears stylish clothes and smiles a lively smile of a boy.

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Today, Nikolay's way of living and his profession are connected with AIDS. He is the president of the Society of HIV-positive and AIDS Patients in St.Petersburg; the man is known worldwide, foreign filmmakers shoot documentaries about him. But what is particularly important, Nikolay is a living example of courage and optimism for HIV-positive people in Russia. Nikolay has made a rather good career after he was dismissed from the police when it came to light that he was gay.

- Is it difficult to serve an example for thousands of HIV-positive people?

- I experience the same problems like other public persons do: I always have to smile and be cheerful; I have no right to commit a mistake. Sometimes I feel I cannot any longer be that brave, but I know my organization will break up if I give up my work. Panchenko is the brand name that helps the organization survive. Today, there are just a few people in Russia who do not conceal they are HIV-positive.

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