Frequently Asked Questions


  1. Q: How does this organization work?

  2. Several times during the month, through the recommendations we receive from you, other organizations, event promoters & producers, bar owners, or other people who just want to hang out and have a great time, we will schedule an event that sounds fun.  The events scheduled are all public events that may or may not be HIV/AIDS related and EVERYONE is welcome to attend.


  4. Q: How do I know when an event is?

  5. Our events calendar will be updated monthly, if not more frequently.  If you’d like we can send you e-mail and/or text message updates.  We are also located on Facebook and MySpace, both of which include forums to discuss or post event ideas.


  1. Q: Who do I look for at these events?

  2. Please remember that we will be attending public events that welcome HIV Positive individuals and so your privacy and discretion are always respected.  Be sure to look for Aaryn and/or Branden.  Both of us are very approachable and love meeting people.  We do not assume HIV status and neither should you.  We try to always include everyone and hope to introduce you to our peer network.  If you’d like to know someone’s status, simply ask and then keep that to yourself.  If you do feel like talking about someone’s status we hope that you feel comfortable enough to honestly discuss your own.


  1. Q: What if I’m not interested in the events scheduled or I can’t come?

  2. We understand that everyone has their own interests and busy schedules. We’d love to hear from you what or where you’d like to meet and when it is most convenient for you.  We’ll do our best to set it up.


  1. Q: What if I’m afraid someone will assume or find out that I have HIV/AIDS from association?

  2. Basically, it’s your business to disclose and discuss your status.  Most of the people displayed on the website are HIV negative but can appreciate the difficulty that most of us have in a social setting and are more than willing to put their face out there as a positive support network. We understand the concern and we’d love for you to join us as our support network of friends at all events.


  1. Q: What if I feel uncomfortable at an event?

  2. It is never our intention for anyone to feel excluded or uncomfortable at any event.  Within every city there are several different social groups representing different genres of interest.  It is the intention of Staying Positive to help create  a more tolerant and compassionate understanding that stretches across the community.  We hope that you will attend several events and find the area or venue that you feel most comfortable at.


Q:  Are both Aaryn and Branden HIV positive?

  1. Yes, both of us are positive and to our knowledge will stay that way.  We don’t intend on becoming negative people any time soon.  Feel free to ask us anything--we’re always open to talk and have utilized many of the resources here in Pittsburgh and can give you a consumer’s perspective on each one.