battling stigma

I was honoured to be selected by IAS to participate at the 24th International AIDS Conference. AIDS2022 took in place in Montreal between 27 July and 2 August.

This blog was not easy to write… Yes, HIV took my motherhood… Back in those times when I was diagnosed, we had no medicine. At least, I didn't have any access to treatment in Colombia, my country...

I am understanding the trauma I have experienced and how it has affected me. I have done nothing wrong, there is no one to blame. Life circumstances create opportunities for personal growth.

I have been mostly isolated with my HIV status and now welcome my commitment of integrating life experience to be an advocate voice to end HIV stigma.

I practice getting in my own way like it's an artform. Sometimes, when things seem to be going really smoothly, I experience this sense of uneasiness like I'm waiting for the next trauma to unravel in front of me like a red carpet.

This weekend I was invited by Brandon O'Dell, director of the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation to celebrate 30 (!) years of support to the HIV community.

Tip: Can't nobody take your voice. It's yours. I mean, people always have the choice of ignoring you. But that doesn't mean shut up.

My lovely people, have I already told you how glad I am to be open about my status? I get to know more and more fabulous people in our HIV community wherever I go.

In acknowledgement of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we have compiled selections from The Well Project's collection of resources and personal stories addressing mental health for women living with HIV.

¡Momento educacional! María, ¿tu eres una paciente de SIDA? Respuesta: NO ? ¡Somos personas viviendo con VIH! ¡El SIDA significa que tu sistema inmune está destrozado y una persona puede estar muy...