People Living With HIV Can Join the Military, Federal Court Rules

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The year was 1991. I was just diagnosed with HIV. I was 18 years old and my dream was to become a marine. I had dreams about it. I knew it would be hard but I was willing to give it my all!! Once again, HIV will get in my way, just like it got in the way of my motherhood and so much more.

When I received the news that we would no longer be denied entering the military I cried... I cried out of joy for this generation, as I feel it in my heart that the cure is near. People are more educated. Science has advanced so much!

I shouldn't complain, although I did cry a little for myself. I am blessed. I am still here after 36 years living with this human condition. So many have gone to the light because of this condition, many of my friends have taken their lives because they were tired!! Some have passed on due to other complications and their immunity. But you see, although I am not a marine, I've said it 1 million times, as long-term survivors, lifetime survivors, dandelions... we were in a war. As a matter of fact, many around the world are still in a war with HIV/AIDS. Many have lost their mothers, fathers, uncles, grandparents, friends, husbands, wives, partners, people that are close to them... so we are in a war still, and we were even in a bigger war in the past where we came back and we were alive, still fighting to the end, but many of our brothers and sisters didn't make it. Just like in the military, you are deployed, you go to war to Defend your Country. Many die, you come back home and you're still alive, living with survivor's guilt, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and so much more. We continue to fight this war and this battle until a cure comes or we go to the light. I can tell you those who have been dealing with this and battling this for a long time know and understand how blessed and lucky we are to be here to tell the story and to always keep the memory alive for those that fought really hard and lost so much in the beginning and middle of this pandemic!!

I see the light... the light is very bright and it's getting closer and I can tell you all that are going through this or starting the journey with this human condition that you will be set free from these chains and this virus, and the stigma that comes with it, the ignorance, the despair, the shame the pain. I see the light so so close and bright more than ever. But I am at peace to know that I fought hard with all my soul and heart to make it easier for others that were in the shadows and mental anguish. Somehow I managed to give them hope through my life and my example. The fight is not over but it's almost over so be patient and understand that you are blessed that you contracted this human condition in the times that we have everything that we fought so hard for to make it easier on all of you!

Much love and light. Do not give up, the time is near, but remember, we must never forget those that are in the light and the families that saw the pain and struggle and couldn't do anything about it and felt helpless.😔 It hasn't been easy. Our bodies feel It, but at the same time, me personally, I feel fulfilled that I did my part in the history of AIDS. I may not have been a marine, but I am an activist and no one can ever take that away from me 💪- no disease, no condition, no human being, no one, because this is my mission and passion. I see the light so very bright!

Keep fighting, not only for yourself but for others until the end.❤️

Maria Mejia