For many, receiving an HIV diagnosis can feel like the end. But for actor and LGBTQIA+ advocate Adrian Lindayag, it was just the beginning of a journey—one that led not only to personal healing but to purpose and visibility.

Adrian, known for his roles on screen and stage, made headlines last year when he publicly revealed that he is living with HIV.

It wasn’t an easy decision.

But after years of keeping it to himself, he chose to speak up—not for shock value, not for sympathy, but to empower others navigating the same path.

“In the beginning, siyempre shock talaga siya,” Adrian admitted in an interview with ABS-CBN. “Pero what was important for me at the time was to live—literally na imake sure na yung immune system ko is healthy, and I wasn’t healthy at the time.”

His honesty about the initial fear and confusion humanizes the diagnosis in a way statistics can’t. But it’s what came next that truly sets Adrian apart.

He credits HIV specialists and medical professionals for helping him and his family understand the reality of the condition—that with the right treatment and support, a long and healthy life is possible. He also learned his rights as a person living with HIV, particularly around privacy and employment.

“The doctors were also very comprehensive in a way that they also educated me with the HIV law,” he said. “Na hindi ko kailangan i-disclose yung status ko sa trabaho, hindi ko kailangan i-disclose yung status ko sa kahit na sino.”

That knowledge gave him the clarity—and courage—to pursue his passion.

Adrian left his corporate job and returned to the arts, auditioning for “RENT: The Musical” with the Ateneo Blue Repertory. It was a pivotal moment that rekindled his creative spirit and led to professional breakthroughs.

“I only auditioned because I was a fan of the show and because I needed to go on a break,” he shared. “That was very healthy for me, physically and emotionally.”

It wasn’t long before his talent caught the attention of the late Dreamscape executive Deo Endrinal, who opened doors for him in mainstream television and film.

Yet even as his career blossomed, Adrian felt the weight of a truth he was keeping hidden.

“Feeling ko kasi na, lying by omission,” he confessed. “Meron bahagi ng sarili mo na parang hindi mo shinshare... Although, hindi mo rin siya obligasyon, pero bakit ka may platform—why do you have this privilege of having a platform—tapos wala kang ginagawa about it? I felt so much guilt. Along with the guilt, there is shame.”

That internal conflict became impossible to ignore. So, in a press conference in 2024, Adrian chose to speak his truth. The act, he says, was not only liberating but necessary—for him, and for the countless others still living in fear and silence.

“Sana tigilan na natin yung stigmatizing and fear and shaming,” he said. “And let’s educate everyone. Let’s educate ourselves. Kasi 2025 na—lahat tayo may internet.”

Today, Adrian is not just surviving—he’s thriving.

He recently married his partner, Michael Dychiao, in the United States. He credits Michael as a major force in helping him reclaim his self-worth.

“Yung confidence ko rin to own my truth last year in that press conference—a huge part of that was my partner,” Adrian said. “Kasi he is someone who is so smart and empowered. He’s a big part of why I have this confidence. Kasi hindi niya ako kinakahiya, at tinanggap niya ako, at minahal niya ako ng buong-buo. Deserve yun ng bawat PLHIV.”

His story is no longer just his own—it’s a mirror, a message, and a movement.

“I hope every person living with HIV will realize the potential they have and remember they are humans,” Adrian said. “They are just like any other persons with dreams that are valid. Everything they want to do in life—pwede pa rin nilang gawin.”