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...
When diagnosed, a person confides in me and trusts my guidance and love. I kill stigma one day, one person at a time. Doors are opening and I feel alive.
When we, as a community, have access to support, treatment, care, resources, a stake in what actually happens in our lives – we can change the trajectory of bloodlines for generations to come.
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.
Last year I had the pleasure of being part of Dandelions Movement writing workshop that brought more healing than I anticipated. Once upon a time I did enjoy writing - in my youth, when I had time.
If you truly hear my message, please share it, find any way you can to resist and fight back, fight for me, because when they're done with me and my community, they'll come for you and yours.
It was from the second class that I really understood that I am HIV-positive. Since then, nothing was the same as before.
Let's support local HIV action to continue bringing positive changes to our HIV communities!
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.