Conversations with Andrew Irwin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Irwin

Hi Andrew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Honestly I wouldn’t know where to begin my story. I know without a doubt that everything that happens. Happens for a reason. I am 31 years old. Have been diagnosed with HIV for now 6 almost 7 years. I’ve lost many family members and close friends. Rather it be from death or differences. I grew up in a conservative republican area. Both of which I’m not. Was amongst the few openly gay kids in my area at the time.

I’ve always had a habit of doing me. Rather I wanted to or not. I’m not an overly successful human. I’ve been lost on my journey many times. I have hit many lows but also enjoyed many highs. I’ve worked in retail and restaurants. As well as being a dancer in a movie and music videos/ choreographing on many different forms . To working in many different avenues of fitness to the point where I had the privilege of being an ambassador for a clothing brand. All along the way trying to have a social media presence and present my truest authentic self. Along this journey I’ve discovered many things. Recently being my true activist self.

I have many dreams. Some that have died along the way. Some I hope I will one day achieve. Most of my dreams have come true. Which is a blessing in and out of itself.

But the one thing I know without a doubt. I’ll never stop being myself. Supporting those that I love. And trying to leave a space better after I have left.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth ride. As I mentioned previously I am HIV Positive. In fact around the time I was diagnosed I lost my grandmother who will forever be my best friend. As well as being served with a million dollar lawsuit. All of that happened in on week. That week really showed me how strong I am. As well as how amazing my family is. If it wasn’t for them it would have ended differently. I really am grateful though for the rough road. I will always believe in Ying/Yang. There cant be rainbow if there is no rain. This is just
a piece of the craziness I’ve experienced in this life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well I was a dancer/ choreographer. As well as a content creator. And have worked in fitness for the last couple years. Lately though I’ve been stepping away from dancing/ choreographing/ fitness. I’m really looking for something new. I have no idea what that is. But I’m excited to discover it! So for now I’ll continue pushing forward. Using social media to bring up important matters. I’ve also recently got into driving for Uber. I know so random haha. But I truly do love it! Meeting new people. Hearing their stories. And making friends along the way. Another thing I’ve very excited to be apart of is Dance For Liberation. It is a non profit that organizes dance classes to raise money to be donated for many different causes. So far we’ve helped raise money for Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Hawaiì and more to come!!!

What are your plans for the future?
The future has big dreams. I would love to start a business that is more of a personal brand. That blends itself into the many other businesses I want to develop. I am a huge advocate for mental health and taking care of yourself. All sides of yourself. The physical, mental, emotional. So I want to build an “umbrella” company that can help others achieve that. I truly love to help others discover the good and bad parts of themselves. Working on yourself doesn’t mean we change the “bad” parts. Just means we learn to accept and use them to help us move forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/danceforliberation
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewirwin.j
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@andrewirwin.j
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewirwin.j