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I am a long-term survivor of HIV - 37 years living with this condition. Today I am undetectable, which means the virus cannot be found in my blood because of medication. That also means something people refuse to accept: I cannot transmit HIV.
Science has proven this. People living with HIV who are undetectable can have children, can breastfeed their babies, and can live full lives. The virus is not the problem anymore. What keeps killing is ignorance, stigma, and stupidity.
Yes, I said it. Ignorant, uneducated, stupid people are the ones still killing us, not the virus. That's why I show my face as an activist: to humanize this condition and put an end to the poison of misinformation.
And let's be clear: HIV and AIDS are not the same thing.
- HIV is the virus.
- AIDS is a syndrome that develops when someone with HIV does not get treatment.
Why do people end up with AIDS? Because of ignorance and stigma. Because stupid, uneducated people scare others from going to the doctor. Because of shame, they don't take their medicine. And those are the people who remain detectable, and yes they are the ones who can still transmit HIV.
Not me. Not the millions of us on treatment, undetectable and untransmittable.
So, the next time anyone dares to point fingers at artists, journalists, gay men, or anyone living with HIV calling them "sick" or saying they "must have AIDS" because of how they look understand this: Your ignorance is the real disease. Your stupidity is what kills.
I am tired of your shit. Tired of the cruelty. Tired of the lies. Tired of people who choose not to educate themselves when the truth is right here.
Today, there is no sugarcoating. Still no love and light. Maria HIV Mejia
Say it LOUD
Yes, sis! Say it L-O-U-D. I am right here with you, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart - as a fellow advocate. Together, with rest of all HIV advocate, activists and changemaker - we are amplifying truth, spreading awareness and showing the world that knowledge is POWER. We are shouting from the top of our lungs until our voice go hoarse. But "certain" people who do not wish to believe, who do not try to understand and see the scientific reality that is already proven - SMH!!!
The passion!
Yes, Maria!! I always admire your dedication to educating others. Over the years, I know you have had to explain the difference between HIV and AIDS many times but you haven't stopped doing it. Yes, there is so much ignorance out there but I just know there are people who also benefit from the advocacy. It doesn't take away from the fact that some people choose to stay uneducated - because that pisses me tf off too. lol Sending love!