A HIV Journey - A Story of Hope

Submitted on Jul 22, 2020 by HIVstigmafighter

This blog was originally posted as part of THE HIV2020 ONLINE GALLERY

"These photo exhibitions, documentaries, and video performances represent communities and key populations from every part of the world. We encourage you to take your time and listen to these important stories from sex workers, people who use drugs, people living with HIV, and members of our many intersecting communities."

As a woman living with HIV since 2003, I dream of a world that is free from HIV stigma, where people with HIV can express themselves with confidence. I will take you on my HIV journey whereby you will see me transform from fear and shame, through acceptance, towards fighting stigma to break taboos.

I want this journey to be a source of inspiration and hope for HIV activists and people living with HIV. I also aim to influence and push key decision-makers to take action to address HIV stigma.

My short film, A HIV Journey: A story of hope, will show you how I transformed into a well-known HIV activist, dedicating my life, through performing arts - speaking out on behalf of people living with HIV.

I will bring my personal story alive through my signature art form, poetry. My poem, dedicated to the community reclaiming the response, will take you on a 17 years journey and show moments of pain, fear and silence, but also hope, joy and resolve. Throughout my film, I will also share other talents such as playing a traditional music instrument - indonongo, and performing a traditional Burundian dance.