Mark Shaheel Lal

A Fijian man of Indian descent living with HIV has broken barriers by coming out and declaring his sexual orientation publicly.

With the alarming surge in HIV cases being recorded in the country, Mark Shaheel Lal has come out to share his journey with HIV and to inspire a change in the mindsets of youths.

The 23-year-old advocate from Vunikavikaloa Rakiraki, a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and youth empowerment, was diagnosed in May this year.

Lal’s journey is one of resilience, hope, and dedication.

Diagnosed with HIV at the age of 23, Lal has turned what could have been a story of despair into one of empowerment and purpose by coming out to share his story – breaking stereotypes and stigma in the process.

Lal says that the stigma surrounding HIV, even today, is overwhelming

“”It’s important to know your health status. If you’re HIV-positive, get tested, seek treatment, and start managing your health right away. This is the way forward. Don’t bow to stigma.”

Lal says that after coming out he has been receiving positive feedback from people across the country.

He has decided to work in this space for as long as he can, he wants people to understand that while HIV is a serious issue, it is also not a death warrant.

After coming out at a World Aids Day celebration last week in Nadi, people have been contacting him all the way from Korea and India sharing their stories as well.

“Stigma is a significant barrier for many people. The fear of judgment, losing family, or the misconception that HIV is a death sentence often holds people back. However, HIV is manageable. With proper treatment, including antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), you can live a healthy life and stay in a safe zone.”

He says that this made him realize that his message was powerful and could be used to effectively advocate for people living with HIV.

Lal adds that he has a strong support system around him that helps him get through the tough times.

He says sensitive topics such as HIV should be more humanized to address it effectively.

“There is a significant gap when it comes to addressing HIV, largely because of the fear surrounding the topic. This should not be the case. We need more education, better preparation, greater openness, and a more compassionate approach in this space. The stigma people face remains a real concern, and it’s clear that many are still afraid. I am grateful to have had the strength to step forward and support not only the Indo-Fijian community but also the i-Taukei community. It’s about helping everyone, fostering understanding, and breaking down barriers.”

When asked about HIV being a taboo subject, he says that HIV is manageable if people get tested early and take their meds.

Lal is calling for more mental and physical support systems so that youths can feel safe about their status.

The MOH is trying their best, but still, our medical services should be better equipped to handle HIV cases.