HIV diagnosis

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.

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.

It felt like a warm blanket, comforting me in moments of loneliness, sadness, depression, and anxiety. When the weight of my emotions became unbearable, alcohol was there to dull the edges.

As we enter into 2025, we are excited to share the 10 most viewed A Girl Like Me blogs of 2024. We'll add a new blog to the countdown each day until we get to number one!

HIV was transmitted to me by my mother at birth. I cannot explain to you how my transmission took place because I myself have no idea.

El VIH me lo transmitió mi madre al nacer. No puedo explicarles cómo ocurrió mi transmisión porque ni yo misma tengo idea.

No sabía que me sentiría tan bien y para ser honesta, ¡me encanta! Sé lo que quiero, me siento cómoda en mi propia piel, sé que soy de la luz, pero bailo con la oscuridad a veces - todas tenemos ese Yin y Yang.

I didn't know it would feel this good and to be honest, I am loving it! I know what I want, I am comfortable in my skin, I know that I am of the light, but I dance with darkness sometimes - and we all have that Yin and Yang.

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.