I'm Faith and I'm living with HIV. I learned I had HIV when I was 24 and by that time I was fighting depression, but I decided not to let it control my life. I educated myself about HIV. Witnessing the persistent stigma against people living with HIV in our communities, I felt compelled to educate myself about HIV and AIDS.
I've been living with HIV since birth, navigating the challenges for nearly 28 years. Adjusting to taking these medications was quite the challenge. It was difficult for a while to get used to taking medication daily. However, after some time, it just became a normal part of my life. I'm grateful for the medicines that help me live longer. I'm undetectable, and have a great support system of family and friends. I've shared my story to help others on my Facebook page.
If my story resonates with you, please share it. Let's change how we talk about HIV together.
Why Faith wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: Having navigated the challenges of living with HIV, I've experienced firsthand the stigma and misconceptions surrounding this virus. Witnessing the impact of discrimination within our communities, I felt a deep calling to educate myself and others about HIV and AIDS. My journey, marked by resilience and personal growth, has instilled in me a passion to educate others.
The difficulty in adjusting to daily medication, the fear of needles, and the struggle to remain faithful to treatment have shaped my understanding of the hurdles many face. Now, as someone who is undetectable and living a fulfilling life, I want to be a voice for change. I believe in breaking down the negative stigma associated with HIV. My journey has taught me that education is a powerful tool against ignorance.
I want to share my story to inspire hope, encourage openness, and foster a supportive community. I am committed to being part of the change in how we talk about HIV. I want to be part of the team taking responsibility to help others and contribute to a world where everyone, regardless of their HIV status, is treated with dignity and understanding.