My name is Marissa Gonzalez, originally from New Jersey, now living in sunny Southwest Florida. I am the youngest of four and the only girl. I recently turned 30 and have embarked on a journey of self discovery and self love.
As a young Latina I was teased for many years, and in 2016, when I was diagnosed with HIV, I thought this would be something else to be teased about. Once so uneducated, I attempted to take my own life because this wasn't the "life I chose". After I stopped feeling bad for myself I started advocating for HIV education for our youth since I chair as the President of the Fort Myers Youth Services Coalition. It was my way to fight without exposing myself.
To read Marissa's intro in its entirety, click here.