JustineDD's blog

I recently celebrated my 34th birthday on July 4th and I must say it is on my top five list of favorites. Let me tell you why. Earlier this year I made it a point to do things I enjoy doing and to treat myself better.

I must admit in certain areas in my life I finally realized I was being a people pleaser. I never looked at it like that until I saw how it has affected me.

Did you know getting dressed up is a form of self-care? I literally did not think of it as self-care until now.

This was my first time attending the USCHA conference in DC. This year's theme was "A Love Letter to Black Women".

Let me tell you how my HIV diagnosis led to me at New York Fashion Week. I attended my routine check-up as usual. I was triaged and after being placed in the exam room, my doctor asked to speak with my mother alone in another room. My mother returned to the room in tears and I could not figure out why. My doctor let me know that I was born with HIV. She asked me if I knew what that meant. I had taken a health class a year before and knew exactly what she was saying to me. My doctor explained I was healthy and had been undetectable. She stressed the fact that my mother was trying to protect me...

I would like to be a part of A Girl Like Me to show the positive side of living with HIV. I would like to be the face of inspiration to help those who struggle with stigma daily.