lifetime survivors of HIV, Dandelions

It was from the second class that I really understood that I am HIV-positive. Since then, nothing was the same as before.

HIV was transmitted to me by my mother at birth. I cannot explain to you how my transmission took place because I myself have no idea.

El VIH me lo transmitió mi madre al nacer. No puedo explicarles cómo ocurrió mi transmisión porque ni yo misma tengo idea.

The stigma is real, but over time I've learned to love myself, I've started to seek out communities of people living with HIV and I've been relieved to know that I'm no longer alone.

So, if you remember my last blog, I shared my pregnancy news and my plans to breastfeed my baby. Well, I breastfed, it didn't last long though, but let's get into this short story.

Those of us aging with HIV need to make our voices heard. When we are asked about our experiences, we need to be honest about what we are experiencing because polite responses and silence will not get us anywhere.

In this profound journey through the shadows, I've witnessed the evolution of our complex relationship with HIV and our quest for healing – my mother's and mine.

My decision to openly share my HIV status at the age of 23 was not about seeking attention but about filling a critical gap in the conversation.

Managing HIV as children and into adulthood is an experience and a bond that is difficult to describe.

Last year at USCHA I stood in a room and said We are not long-term survivors, but we are LIFETIME SURVIVORS.