disclosure

In 2025, HIV/AIDS is still a big taboo in Africa. In my country, I had discussions with my relatives to know their opinion on the subject...

Compartir tu historia públicamente, especialmente con desconocidos, no es fácil. Pero es poderoso. Porque nunca sabes quién está escuchando, quién está esperando una confirmación de que no está solo...

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...

Puedo decir que ya no siento el mismo odio que sentía por mi amiga, pero sigo teniendo ese trauma de antes, y cuando recuerdo aquellos tiempos, lloro.

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.