Shaun Mellors, the first white gay man to disclose he was HIV positive in the early 1990s has come a long was since his was denied the opportunity to continue with his studies because of his status.
He has multiple qualifications, and is currently the associate director of the International HIV/Aids Alliance, a coalition of more than 40 organisations around the world.
The Alliance's mission is to end Aids through community action, an ambitious but realistic vision.
Their efforts were given a boost when the Alliance was announced as one of the first two recipients of the $10 million (+R142 000 000) Elton John Aids Foundation and Pepfar LGBT Fund.
Mellors, tells us more.
Watch @ShaunMellors on @theaidsalliance receiving @ejaforg #EltonJohn, @PEPFAR funding #AIDS2016 @IOL @DailyNewsSA pic.twitter.com/esKLDEE2IP
— Nosipho S Mngoma (@Mzoeloe) July 21, 2016