dating, relationships

I choose to show up for love with open eyes, a full heart and a commitment to myself first.

"You have HIV. HIV3 to be exact." That's what they said—HIV3. I didn't even know what that meant... No one explained it. No one softened it.

Dating while living with HIV can be empowering, joyful, and deeply fulfilling—but it also comes with moments of vulnerability, especially when it comes to disclosure.

We live in a world where Black Trans women are hurt—and killed—by the very men who claim to love us. And when we dare to fight back, we're punished.

I'm choosing to live out loud—for the girl I used to be and for the ones who still think they have to shrink to survive. You don't. You can bloom right where you are.

El VIH me había mantenido encerrada en el miedo por más de una década, preocupándome constantemente por el estigma y ser juzgada. Pero me recordé a mí misma todo lo que había aprendido... mantenerme presente.

HIV had kept me locked in fear for over a decade, constantly worrying about stigma and judgement. But I reminded myself of everything I had learned through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness: Stay present.

Not only do I want these things, I deserve them. So does everyone else living with HIV. Shift the paradigm. Let's talk about pleasure.

No solo quiero estas cosas, las merezco. Igual que todos los demás viviendo con VIH. Cambia el paradigma. Habla sobre el placer.

I began to understand that HIV can be a blessing, and I began to understand the most challenging thing in life. If you want to, you can get the best out of life.