disclosure

Nineteen years ago, I never imagined that I would one day have the strength to speak openly about my status in a leading HIV magazine. But here I am.

To share your story publicly, especially with strangers, is not easy. But it's powerful. Because you never know who's listening, who's waiting for confirmation that they're not alone...

I no longer have the hatred I used to have for my friend, but I still have that trauma from before, and when I think back to that time, I cry.

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.

Creo que al hablar abiertamente de mi experiencia, puedo ayudar a desmantelar los mitos y los conceptos erróneos sobre vivir con VIH. Cada vida tiene esos momentos cruciales, esos que lo cambian todo.

I believe that by being open about my experience, I can help dismantle the myths and misconceptions about living with HIV. Every life has those pivotal moments, the ones that change everything.

I come here when things are rough. When my head is so full I have to put it on paper. I can't say that I put it all here.

As I continue to blog and open up about my story for the first time, I hope to give readers insight into how a former barber from Rancho Cucamonga, CA turned an HIV diagnosis into the biggest blessing of her life.

Mientras sigo blogueando y compartiendo más de mi historia por primera vez, espero darle a las lectoras una idea de cómo una ex peluquera de Rancho Cucamonga, California, convirtió un diagnóstico de VIH en la bendición más grande de su vida.