My name Is April Bullock. I've been HIV+ since 1997. I am a mother of my handsome special needs son who is HIV-negative. I live in Hamilton, Ontario.
I was charged in 2010 and thrown in jail. Previous partners I was with said I did not disclose my HIV status. None of the partners I was with became HIV+. I was part of a documentary called Unlocking HIV. I have also been part of international women's day events and I've been part of the Positive Health Network since 1997.
I want people to know that no one should be judged on their health condition or be thrown in jail because they have HIV or any other illness.
I've really come to terms with the way society looks at me; a society in which you are judged, rejected, and singled out because of a disease you didn't want. You shut yourself away with stress and depression, for fear of being exposed. The stigma is real, but over time I've learned to love myself. Then I started to seek out in communities the people living with HIV, and I've been relieved to know that I'm no longer alone. What got me through those difficult times was keeping my head up and staying strong for my son. He is my world.
Why April wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: I want to be part of A Girl Like Me to share my experience with other women. I would like to find sisterhood, mentorship, and support to overcome shared challenges and build self-esteem.