Shawn Decker and Kylie Jenner (Photo: Twitter/Wikimedia Commons)
A man living with HIV clapped back at news regarding Kylie Jenner’s new-found billionaire status in the most inspirational way.
Shawn Decker, from Charlottesville, US, is a contributing writer to Poz Magazine and is married to fellow HIV activist, Gwenn Barringer. He was responding to a tweet by the New York Daily Post on Saturday.
The news organization wrote: ’19-year-old Kylie Jenner is worth $900 million and on pace to become the youngest self-made billionaire ever. What are you doing with your life?’
Decker replied: ‘I was diagnosed with HIV at age 11 in 1987. My parents were told I had 6 months-to-2 years to live.
I’m turning 43 on Monday and I’ve spent the last two decades of my life educating about HIV through writing, speaking and laughter.’
I was diagnosed with HIV at age 11 in 1987. My parents were told I had 6 months-to-2 years to live. I’m turning 43 on Monday and I’ve spent the last two decades of my life educating about HIV through writing, speaking and laughter. https://t.co/DEbD4c7kil
— Shawn of the Bled (@shawndecker) July 14, 2018
Decker’s tweet received 63,000 shares. It was one of several responses to the New York Daily Post that challenged the notion that Kylie Jenner’s wealth is something to aspire to.
The New York Daily Post’s tweet was in reference to this month’s Forbes Magazine’s heavily criticized cover.
Social media users were infuriated by the claim that Jenner is ‘self-made’. Many pointed out that she benefited massively from her family’s enormous wealth and fame, as opposed to being truly self-made.
Kylie Jenner on the cover of this month’s Forbes magazine (Photo: Forbes)
Decker defended Kylie Jenner
Decker was quick to point out that, whilst believing her success was the result of being media-savvy, he was not criticizing Jenner. He wrote: ‘In Kylie’s defense, she doesn’t describe herself as “self-made” and acknowledges the headstart she got. Was poking more fun at @NYDailyNews‘
Wow- just seeing all the tweet love here. Thanks! In Kylie’s defense, she doesn’t describe herself as “self-made” and acknowledges the headstart she got. Was poking more fun at @NYDailyNews. Will answer questions on this thread later! 👍🏻❤️
— Shawn of the Bled (@shawndecker) July 15, 2018
Thank you. If Kylie’s headstart was a wealthy family with media savvy, mine was a loving family, decent healthcare and enough luck to live to see the advent of effective medication. Am so thankful.
— Shawn of the Bled (@shawndecker) July 15, 2018
Decker, author of My Pet Virus, went on to field questions regarding his HIV status.
A lot of folks are asking… in case I missed your question: I was born with hemophilia. To treat the bleeding disorder, I relied on blood products in the 80s when they were contaminated. That’s how I contracted HIV. Blood products have been safe for decades now. 👍🏻❤️
— Shawn of the Bled (@shawndecker) July 15, 2018
Thank you. I’m fortunate and lucky to be here, and am happy to help remove some fear that surrounds the topic.
— Shawn of the Bled (@shawndecker) July 15, 2018
Yeah the moralizing is what keeps people from getting tested, or talking with loved ones about it… the moralizing and stigma literally puts people with HIV’s lives at risk.
— Shawn of the Bled (@shawndecker) July 15, 2018
Decker was applauded by other Twitter users for his compassion and perspective on the issue.
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