A Girl Like Me Contributors

My name is Robin Barkins. I was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 15. When I heard the devastating news, I thought my life was over. I refused all HIV treatment. I began to use drugs and I slept around with different men and women without disclosing...

Derinthia Williams began HIV advocacy in 2018. She provides education around HIV and AIDS to peers across the Atlanta area, using social media as a key way to educate her peers. She has experience in sexual health, harm reduction tips, and is...

My name is Harmony Rey Zorio (formerly Connie Rose) and I was living in Indiana during the time I found out I was positive - in a small farming community snug in the hip of the bible belt. I was only 21 years old with a 10-month old baby girl that I...

The tradition of storytelling has been a sacred and cathartic practice for women to share experiences and express emotions. The safety of a community creates an atmosphere for mutual exchange in fellowship with other women who have similar lived...

Helena Nangombe is a 27 year old young woman who has been living with HIV, standing as a strong survivor of sexual abuse. Helena is extremely ambitious and self-motivated as a youth advocate. She is a proud mother of an 8 year old son who is HIV...

I'm a 28-year-old HIV-positive (since 6/6/16) female living in Natural Bridge, Virginia with my husband, my daughter, two dogs, and two cats. I am a trained modern dancer, an in-home ABA therapist for children, and I'm currently interested in...

I am a 33 year old female born, bread, buttered in Johannesburg. A God fearing, God loving, highly favoured, spirit filled woman of God. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could have prepared me for the news I received of being diagnosed with HIV on the...

I was 11 years old when my mother and sister finally told me my mom had AIDS, my father had AIDS and I was born HIV+. I was devastated even though I really had no clue what it even meant. I knew my mom had it and I knew she was dying. Just a few...

My name is Eliane. I am 43 years old and the mother of three children: Loris, 18 years; Rio, 13 years; and Akira, 11 years. I am married and am an artist and blogger at www.hivstigmafighter.com. I am HIV positive for 17 years. My motto for life is:...

I am Sandra, 61.5 years old, HIV Elite Controller, diagnosed December 1989. Widow, Mother and Grandmother. Active Extended visitor, participating in Clinical Research trials at the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Volunteering and...