I'm a neurodivergent mama raising two beautiful children who mean the world to me. I've been living with HIV nearly 11 years now and it hasn't slowed me down one bit.
This is my story... and it kinda sucks. I was 21 years old when I received my diagnosis. I was scared to death, knowing I could've potentially exposed my infant son through nursing. I had to stop immediately. Luckily, over the course of a year, he has tested negative and I was able to breathe again. Except it wasn't so easy. I had to learn how to forgive myself and the man who gave me HIV. We were in what I thought was a 'monogamous' relationship and I had to get over the betrayal. It was hard and it took some time, but I'm a better woman despite it.
Why Malina wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: I believe that through lived experiences and education I've gathered centered around HIV, I can offer advice and support for women wanting to become mothers or expanding their families.
