About Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

long term HIV AIDS survivor advocate educator activist Bob Bowers tattoos tats sleeves Houston TX

A PIRATE'S LIFE... Never surrender! never forget!

Bob Bowers, also known as “Da Pirate” or “One Tough Pirate”, is a 42-year thriving survivor of HIV/AIDS living in Houston, Texas.

In 2005, he founded HIVictorious, Inc.® to broaden his message of survival, youth prevention through education, hope, and compassion.

As an HIV-positive speaker, Bob understands the power of putting a face to the disease to help reduce AIDS stigma. He defies the ‘stereotypical’ image of a person with AIDS, making a lasting and profound impact on his audiences.

Bob is open and unapologetically honest about his life struggles and choices before his diagnosis. Through his public speaking, he shares how HIV has reshaped his perspective, helping him make better choices and appreciate the simple beauty of everyday life. “For everything negative I can say about HIV, I can also find something positive. It’s all about choices and playing the hand you’re dealt.”

Diagnosed at a time when HIV testing and effective treatments were nonexistent, Bob turned inward—mind, body, and spirit—to fight for survival. Today, he continues to battle the long-term effects of HIV and treatment side effects, but his determination remains unshaken. His tough, tattooed exterior is matched by his deep sincerity and compassion, making his 42-year journey with HIV/AIDS a powerful testament to resilience.

Bob is a tireless advocate, dedicated to shaping HIV/AIDS policy, raising awareness, and fighting stigma. His advocacy spans:
✔ Public speaking at schools, colleges, jails, and community organizations
✔ Fundraising for HIV/AIDS programs and services
✔ Supporting camps for youth affected or infected by HIV
✔ Guest appearances in film, television, radio, magazines, and newspapers
✔ Writing articles for WebMD, The Body, and AIDS Project Los Angeles’ Positive Living

Bob and his then-wife, Shawn, were featured in The Fire Within, a powerful and moving documentary that captures his passion for life and the power of choice."

Recognitions & Awards

🏆 Best Speaking Panel - Human Sexuality, San Diego State University
🏆 AIDS Network Client Services Volunteer Award
🏆 AIDS Network Executive Director’s Award for Outstanding Community HIV/AIDS Service
🏆 General with POZ Army in the fight to cure HIV

Bob’s voice, passion, and commitment continue through OTP Productions, Inc. His story has been featured on the covers of POZ Magazine and Positively Aware, and his impact can be seen by searching “Bob Bowers HIV AIDS” on Google.

Bob is living proof that nothing is impossible when you apply yourself physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He is a champion of hope and survival, reminding us all that: "Compassion is our cure.®"

What Others Say About Bob

“Bob Bowers is a passionate activist and educator. As someone who has lived with AIDS for over 40 years, Bob is not just a survivor. He works tirelessly to fight complacency and improve the lives of those around him. His commitment to educating young people about healthy choices and advocating for quality health care are just two examples of his many contributions.”
— U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin

“If there was such a thing as a force of destiny in our lives, I would say Bob Bowers was born for this role. No one has carried this difficult mantle with more dignity, conviction, purpose, and compassion.”
— Madeleine Schwab, Crossroads High School – Santa Monica, California

Connect with Bob (One Tough Pirate):

📌 Bob Bowers on Facebook
📌 Bob Bowers on Instagram
📌 Bob Bowers on X (formerly Twitter)
📌 HIV/AIDS Documentary: The Fire Within

HIVictorious® and Compassion is our cure® were registered trademarks of HIVictorious, Inc., a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.

Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate Houston Texas long term hiv aids survivor activist advocate

God is good!

Bob Bowers - Houston, texas

what people are saying:

One Tough Pirate: The Man, the Myth, the Absolute Badass

Bob Bowers isn’t just a survivor—he’s a force of nature wrapped in tattoos, wisdom, and the kind of humor that can disarm just about anyone. His story isn’t one you read with mild curiosity; it’s one that grabs you by the collar and demands you pay attention. And trust me, you should.

Let’s get this straight—Bob’s been through more in his 61 years than most people could even wrap their heads around. Diagnosed with HIV at 22, he was thrown into a world of uncertainty, stigma, and medical chaos at a time when people whispered about the virus like it was a ghost lurking in the shadows. The world told him he wouldn’t last. The world was wrong.

But Bob’s story isn’t just about defying the odds. It’s about grit, heart, and a relentless determination to educate, advocate, and, let’s be real, call out the BS when he sees it. He’s spent decades fighting for awareness—not in the polished, corporate-friendly, let’s-make-this-marketable way, but in the raw, unfiltered, human way. The kind that makes people listen. The kind that makes people care.

And let’s talk about that humor—because damn, if there’s one thing Bob knows how to do (besides surviving, educating, and being an all-around legend), it’s cracking a joke that’ll have you laughing while learning. He’s the kind of guy who can talk about trauma, loss, and the heavy stuff in life, and somehow, you walk away feeling lighter. That’s a gift.

But don’t get it twisted—he’s not some Hallmark-movie hero. He’s real. He’s been through the dark, the ugly, and the nights where sleep never came because nightmares don’t give up that easily. He’s carried shame, fought demons, and made peace with the fact that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s strength.

At the heart of it all, Bob is a storyteller. Not just in words, but in the way he lives. His life is a testament to what happens when you refuse to be defined by struggle and instead use it as fuel. He’s not here to be pitied. He’s here to remind you that no matter what cards life deals, you play them. And you play them hard.

So, if you ever get the chance to hear Bob Bowers speak, or read his words, or just stand in his presence—pay attention. Because you’re not just learning about HIV/AIDS, or survival, or advocacy.

You’re learning what it means to live.

NEVER SURRENDER! NEVER FORGET!

My story is about the power of persistence, the courage to live authentically, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It’s a message for anyone who has ever felt lost, isolated, or burdened by a struggle that others might not fully understand. Through my openness, I’m creating a legacy that stretches beyond HIV/AIDS, one that encourages others to overcome any obstacle, with the knowledge, love, and support needed to continue forward—no matter what.

~ Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

More about Bob

Compassion is our cure!®

There isn't a 'perfect plan' for people living with HIV/AIDS. Long-term survival requires access to care and treatment. Hope, compassion, support and an immense desire to live are vital! I am indeed blessed to have experienced all of these throughout my 42 years of living with HIV. This is why I advocate so tirelessly for other people who are living with this disease - to help reduce the stigma and hopelessness still too often associated with having the virus.

~ Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

NEVER SURRENDER! NEVER FORGET!

Long-term survivorship

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 50% of people with HIV are older than 50 years and account for 70% of total deaths among people with HIV.”

—The Lancet HIV in a series on Ageing with HIV on February 2

"When I was diagnosed, we didn't even have AZT. With the miracles I've witnessed after two decades of survival, nothing is impossible. I'm turning 43 in May, and it's surreal to be able to say, I'm still here."

~ Bob Bowers long-term survivor diagnosed 1984

See more magazines featuring Bob

One Tough Pirate on the cover of POZ Magazine

How did you get involved with public speaking?

"When I was diagnosed, I was living with my girlfriend, and we were both using IV drugs. I didn’t get a ton of support right away from my friends and family, so I went to the AIDS Project Los Angeles. I was one of their first clients. Someone there recommended that I go speak at a high school. It was weird standing on a stage and saying I have AIDS. But the students gave such a warm response to something that was supposedly so shameful. I realized sharing my story was empowering, so I kept doing it."

~ Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate

long term survivor Bob Bowers POZ Magazine HIV AIDS survivors educator advocate activist Houston TX

long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS

HIV AIDS long term survivor Bob Bowers One Tough Pirate red ribbon tattoos Never forget Houston TX

What defines a long-term survivor:

HIV Long-Term Survivors (HLTS) represent a diverse group of people, including:

People diagnosed with HIV before the advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy or HAART in 1996. They make up about 25% of all people living with HIV and AIDS. 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the U.S. That makes about 300,000 long-term survivors, defined as individuals who acquired HIV before 1996 and the introduction of HAART.

People who have been living with HIV for over 10 years are also part of this group.

People who acquired HIV at birth or as young children, also known as lifetime survivors of HIV or Dandelions.

www.hiv.gov

View More Photos of Bob

10 sexiest straight men living with hiv

2014

Bowers outreach educates, raises awareness, fights stigma, and perhaps most importantly, invokes compassion, hope, and affirmative change on our planet.

Infected in 1983 from a one-time decision to share a needle, Bob is one of the first 14,000 Americans infected with HIV. He has lived throughout the whole history of the AIDS pandemic, experienced many ups and downs in his health, and lost so many friends you wonder how his heart can bear it.

View the complete list

Bob Bowers 10 SEXIEST STRAIGHT MEN LIVING WITH HIV AIDS survivors advocates activists heterosexual

Bob Bowers long-term HIV/AIDS survivor.

end the stigma!

What is HIV stigma?

HIV stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV. It is the prejudice that comes with labeling an individual as part of a group that is believed to be socially unacceptable.

You might be wondering how you can address an issue as complex as HIV stigma. But there are many small things you can do that will make a big difference.

If each of us commits to making positive changes in our families and communities, we can help end HIV stigma and work to stop HIV together.

Learn More

NO SHAME! NO SURRENDER!

long term HIV/AIDS survivor advocate educator activist Bob Bowers One Tough Pirate Houston Texas POZ

News About Bob

Bob Bowers and HIVictorious inc.

"Bob Bowers talks about HIV prevention and education the way that most people talk about their family or their pets, or even their favorite hobby—with a great deal of passion, mixed with just the right amount of sentiment."

~ Jeff Berry Positively Aware Magazine

Bob Bowers in the news

Bob Bowers and HIVictorious inc.

Dear Bob Bowers,

Thank you for coming to my school. I thought that you were an excellent speaker with a lot to say. Something that surprised me about you was your carefree attitude about life and your philosophy about living life to its fullest! I thought it was great and would appreciate it if you would come back to speak with us.

~ Chris W.

Learn about HIVictorious

tattoos long term HIV/AIDS survivor educator activist Bob Bowers One Tough Pirate Houston Texas POZ

Bob Bowers' Tattoos

Bob Bowers and HIVictorious inc.

Bob Bowers' Tattoos

" Tattoos became my armor, my battle scars, my living tribute to survival. At one point, I got a tattoo for each year I survived living with HIV/AIDS."

~ Bob Bowers

Bob's Tattoos