Being a Black woman and wearing the badge of honor of being strong is exhausting to say the least.
What was the most impactful were the stories told by each of us living with HIV. It would not have been nearly as successful without our voices.
It's crucial to recognize that HIV doesn't discriminate based on gender identity, yet society often does.
Have you ever had a dilemma where you had to choose between what is best for you as a person or for us a HIV community? Last week I had to make such a choice.
Those of us aging with HIV need to make our voices heard. When we are asked about our experiences, we need to be honest about what we are experiencing because polite responses and silence will not get us anywhere.
Managing HIV as children and into adulthood is an experience and a bond that is difficult to describe.
This was my first time attending the USCHA conference in DC. This year's theme was "A Love Letter to Black Women".
MY GIRLS! I can't explain the connection and the happiness I feel when I'm around them. When I share space with them, I feel heard and held and so effortlessly it comes naturally for me to do the same...
If you are new to advocating, have never been to USCHA, or are interested in learning about HIV, I highly suggest considering your attendance for the coming year!
It all started a few months ago when CAB (community advisory board) member Samantha Rose Montemayor sent me a message and said, "Marissa, we should be at this event."