The stigma is real, but over time I've learned to love myself, I've started to seek out communities of people living with HIV and I've been relieved to know that I'm no longer alone.
In my home country Burundi there are 13.24 million people of which 2.9% are living with HIV. This means 383,000 people! Many of them still do not have reliable access to HIV treatment and HIV stigma and prejudices are still widespread throughout Burundi.
I believe that by being open about my experience, I can help dismantle the myths and misconceptions about living with HIV. Every life has those pivotal moments, the ones that change everything.
I highly recommend attending future ANAC conferences. The experience will enrich your understanding of HIV care, connect you with like-minded professionals, and inspire you to make a difference in the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS.
I come here when things are rough. When my head is so full I have to put it on paper. I can't say that I put it all here.
As I continue to blog and open up about my story for the first time, I hope to give readers insight into how a former barber from Rancho Cucamonga, CA turned an HIV diagnosis into the biggest blessing of her life.
The harsh reality is that there are way too few organisations in our HIV community that are actively promoting PrEP access.
What's the balance in life as a regular human being with needs, wants and desires that just so happens to also be a person living with HIV who simply desires to live a normal non-stigmatized life?
Mi querida gente, prometí compartir con ustedes mi aprendizaje de SIDA 2024 en Múnich.
Not only do I want these things, I deserve them. So does everyone else living with HIV. Shift the paradigm. Let's talk about pleasure.