pregnancy, HIV+ mothers, family

I had the honor of presenting on one of my favorite topics, HIV and Breast/Chestfeeding, at this year's HIV Is Not a Crime Conference. As you may or may not know, I had the privilege of breastfeeding both of my babies for 14 months, each as a woman living with HIV.

HIV is not a crime, or is it? As of 2022, 35 states have laws that criminalize HIV exposure. Many of these laws are outdated and do not reflect today's scientific evidence. There are four different ways that these laws criminalize HIV.

After being diagnosed at 19 years old, I didn't know or understand what HIV was. I just knew it was something I would have to deal with for the rest of my life. What does that mean? What does HIV look like? Am I a label now? These were all the thoughts that ran through my mind.

I started Aunty Lou's Hour to: (a) support people living with HIV who feel lonely; and (b) do what I can to reduce stigma associated with HIV.

HIV empowered me - and now I am free. When I first found out I had HIV - I believed my life was over. I come from a catholic upbringing, and even though I no longer practice, those feelings of guilt and shame still lingered.

I'm a single mom of two who was diagnosed with HIV at 19 years old when pregnant with my first child. I struggled with depression and anxiety for years due to my HIV status. I have had family and...

How were you when your kid(s) left for college? I'm processing so much!! Like did I teach him as much as he needed? Was it enough?

Read this blog in English Mañana, 18 de abril, es el aniversario con mi batalla de 35 años con el #VIH. Nunca pensé que llegaría a vivir tantos años con esta condición humana. Gracias a todos los que...

Tomorrow, April 18, marks my 35-year battle with #HIV! I never thought I would make it this far.

I don't know what came over me. Here I am, an unsure, brand new mom living with HIV, holding my newly born baby in my arms, and something kept telling me, "Just do it. Just tell them." The nurse asked...