HIV/AIDS LONG-TERM SURVIVOR * YOUTH EDUCATION * ADVOCACY * ACTIVISM * RESOURCES
Houston, Texas - United States
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Official Bio: Bob Bowers, aka One Tough Pirate
Who is Bob Bowers, aka One Tough Pirate?
Bob Bowers is a 42-year survivor of HIV/AIDS, diagnosed in 1984. Known as One Tough Pirate, he’s a nationally recognized speaker, advocate, and founder of HIVictorious, Inc. His life has been dedicated to fighting stigma, educating youth, and turning survival into purpose.
He’s the subject of the award-winning documentary The Fire Within, has graced the covers of POZ and Positively Aware, and has spoken to thousands—from students to policymakers—with a message of hope, grit, and faith.
Bob doesn’t just survive—he speaks, teaches, fights, and lives out loud.
His upcoming memoir The True Tale of One Tough Pirate and the docuseries The Gospel According to One Tough Pirate continue that mission.
“This isn’t survival—it’s purpose. This is legacy.”
— Bob Bowers, One Tough Pirate
📬 Want to collaborate, interview, or book Bob to speak?
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"My personal ambition is to inspire and motivate everyone to be victorious in life's challenges. In this process I educate about the cause of HIV/AIDS, the consequences of having it, and how I have survived for 42 years."
THE PIRATE! I appreciate positive role models when it comes to being HIV+. The Pirate is a symbol of strength and rebellion, and these are the character traits necessary to live with HIV. Together, timbers will shiver for certain.
Douglas P.
NO SHAME! NO SURRENDER!
Bob's life story
Photos of Bob Bowers
Photos of Bob Bowers
I lived this shit. For decades, I’ve spoken to youth, to crowds, to anyone who would listen—not because I wanted recognition, but because I had to. Because HIV/AIDS wasn’t just some distant crisis to me; it was my life. My reality. My battle.
~ Bob Bowers
Photos of Bob Bowers
Photos of Bob Bowers
Photos of Bob Bowers
I’m not just living with HIV—I survived the ‘80s.
Back when a diagnosis was a death sentence and hope was in short supply, I kept breathing, fighting, rising.
42 years later, I’m still here—proof that strength outlives stigma.
Bob Bowers' Tattoos
Photos of Bob Bowers
Bob Bowers' Tattoos
My tattoos speak when I can’t.
They carry the names, the battles, the prayers, and the promises.
Each one marks a moment—of pain, purpose, faith, and fight.
They remind me where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, and who I refuse to become. This skin is my armor, my journal, my battle flag.
