In episode 352 of SPFPP, I sit down with Aaron Thomas, a 26-year-old Black man from Pittsburgh, PA, who shares his powerful journey of navigating life with herpes. Diagnosed five years ago with both HSV1 and HSV2, Aaron dives deep into the complex intersection of race, masculinity, and sexual health in the Black community. From the hypermasculine messages he received growing up to the challenges of reclaiming his identity as a Black man living with herpes, Aaron’s story is a raw and honest look at what it means to own your narrative. We explore how his upbringing, mental health struggles, and relationships have shaped his path, and how he's turning his experience into something positive for himself and others.

You can connect with Aaron on Instagram at @aa.ronn_ or email him at [email protected]