Porchia Dees currently is a Linkage to Care Coordinator for the Black AIDS Institute in Los Angeles. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has impacted her life greatly and is a topic that is very near and dear to her heart. Porchia was born HIV positive in 1986 and is from San Bernardino, CA. She has been blessed to see treatment and science for HIV come so far, but works tirelessly to combat the stigma that hasn't really changed that much since the 80s. Helping others and giving back to her community is her passion; speaking out and HIV advocacy has become her calling. She wants to be a voice for those who are afraid to speak out against the STIGMA, and to show people that HIV is nothing to be ashamed of. She wants people to know that they are still BEAUTIFUL, DESIRABLE, and WORTHY regardless of their HIV status.