"Picture: Positivity" Exhibit: Drew Kleis

Drew Kleis

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Mineola, N.Y./Stanford, Calif. 

When Drew Kleis received the news he had AIDS, he was a sophomore in college and his parents wanted him to head directly home. His response: “I have a class project in an hour.” Drew returned to school and completed the project. He says he has continued to live his life with this same frame of mind, never letting AIDS take over.

Drew began working as a sexual health peer educator to help his fellow students learn about HIV and AIDS and how to protect themselves from the virus. He expanded his audience by speaking at universities in several states, always trying to make a difference in his community.

Even though the stigma of HIV/AIDS never eased, he says, Drew enjoyed an extremely supportive family and friends who were always willing to stick up for him.

In 2001, his brother and sister even joined him in conquering the four-day, 430-mile annual AIDS Vaccine Bike Trek. Drew accessorized his bike for comfort with a cushy cruiser seat and some road tires. After the bike ride, Drew says, he experienced a sense of accomplishment and pride for never giving up and always fighting.

Drew currently lives in Stanford with his brother and two adorable dogs. After 28 “HIV-healthy years,” as he puts it, Drew continues to be an avid mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast.

In Drew’s words, “Before I am a patient, I am a loving son, a caring brother, a thoughtful person, a hard worker, and a great friend.”

Photographer’s Statement 

Bobby Monaco

When I was told that we would be photographing people with HIV or AIDS for a portrait project, I was nervous -- but only because I was excited about the opportunity. HIV is an issue that oftentimes goes ignored. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I wanted to form a friendship with the individual I would be capturing in a photograph.

With Drew Kleis, I gained exactly that.

Drew’s openness, honesty, and go-getter mentality made it incredibly easy to create many great images. His positive attitude was contagious. Since he would have two photos on display, we agreed that one would show him smiling, like he always is, and the other would show him being serious. By doing this we believed we would capture both perspectives that a person with HIV or AIDS may have.

With the two photos of Drew, you can see all of his amazing qualities. The photograph here recognizes the seriousness of AIDS, but more importantly, the idea that AIDS will never be something that holds Drew back. Drew is one of the most active people I know. He is “at the edge of the world,” as he puts it, and nothing stops him, not even AIDS.

At the age of 16 I was diagnosed with juvenile type 1 diabetes, and for someone with a life-long disease, Drew is the perfect role model. He has opened my eyes and given me a new perspective. Drew never let AIDS become him, just as I won’t let diabetes become me. Instead Drew is a brother, an uncle, a friend, a mountain biker, and someone I will never forget meeting for as long as I live.

Photographer’s Statement 

Jake Barz

Never having met someone living with HIV or AIDS, I was a little apprehensive about this project. Just seconds after meeting Drew Kleis, though, I was no longer nervous. His infectious smile and silly banter caught me off guard and did a better job of waking me up than the cup of coffee I was holding.

I remember thinking to myself that if a stranger were to walk into the room and guess who had HIV – me or Drew – I bet they’d probably pick me. With an incredibly athletic physique and attractive facial features, Drew’s strong appearance is matched by an even stronger personality. I was relieved when we were matched up to work together.

When trying to find a time to meet with him, Drew insisted that the only way to start to get to know him would be over a mountain bike adventure.

One afternoon we decided to take a trip to San Gregorio beach, where we launched our ride. We did a short loop around the state park and this photo was taken at a vantage point perched upon rocky cliffs.

I believe that Drew’s story can ignite a flame of excellence within each and every person he meets. Drew lives a fearless life of compassion that has inspired me to live life better. If one of the most feared diseases in the world cannot prevent Drew from doing what he loves, it would be ridiculous to think that there is anything that can come in the way of my dreams.