Despite all of the stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV, I managed to find myself again.
Stigma is deadlier than the disease itself, and the top driver of HIV stigma, in my opinion, is the church.
I started to realize that I wasn't the only person in this situation and that maybe we all lived under very different circumstances, but we all lived in the same situation.
It doesn't have to be perfect to be just right. If not art, some hobby or venture that allows you to be in a moment that is not tied to HIV, or responsibility to anyone but yourself.
As I approach my 17th year of living with HIV, I can clearly hear God's voice, I'm happy to hear his voice, I realize how much more painful it was not being able to hear it.
Having navigated the challenges of living with HIV, I've experienced firsthand the stigma and misconceptions surrounding this virus.
Discovering my HIV diagnosis was an unexpected turn that reshaped my life's trajectory.
My name is Nitanita. I’m California-born and raised, 55 years old, Black, single, and have two adult kids and two grandkids. I'm a professional currently working in field of behavioral/mental health...
It doesn't matter how you became positive; what matters is how you live your positive life.
Life gives you chances, and you have to take advantage of them... HIV made me stronger. It empowered me even more.