domestic violence, abuse

I'm constantly educating people. People that should know, don't. They grew up when the HIV epidemic started. So, I share my story because I want to help people. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT HIV.

During the last two and a half years I have been silent, my voice quiet and non existent.... Today I adjust my sail and scream so I can clear my throat and begin to unload all the turbulence I have been navigating alone.

Mother's Day is never easy for me, because I don't have a relationship with my mother. She's not deceased, I just don't have a relationship with her, never really have to be honest.

Today I got the call that I have been not wanting to receive. I have known that my father has Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's since May of 2020. It's been hard to make decisions for the person who I have felt caused me so much hurt.

Sentí que me llovían muchísimas cosas encima que eran tan difíciles que podían destruir a una persona. Pero lo superé.

I felt that at one point in my life, there were so many things that were getting tossed at me that were built to just destroy a person. But I got through it.

What was the most impactful were the stories told by each of us living with HIV. It would not have been nearly as successful without our voices.

The talk of ending HIV and AIDS has been going for ages, are we really going to end HIV and AIDS by 2030?

Me fui dando cuenta que no era la única en esta situación, a lo mejor teníamos diferentes circunstancias con las otras mujeres, pero vivíamos en la misma situación.

Life gives you chances, and you have to take advantage of them... HIV made me stronger. It empowered me even more.