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.
Having navigated the challenges of living with HIV, I've experienced firsthand the stigma and misconceptions surrounding this virus.
Living with HIV, my biggest fear isn't the virus itself; it's the fear of losing control over my own narrative.
In this profound journey through the shadows, I've witnessed the evolution of our complex relationship with HIV and our quest for healing – my mother's and mine.
My decision to openly share my HIV status at the age of 23 was not about seeking attention but about filling a critical gap in the conversation.
Managing HIV as children and into adulthood is an experience and a bond that is difficult to describe.
Learn what parents and providers need to know about reasons for HIV prevention specific to teens and the importance of talking with your teen about HIV.
Let me tell you how my HIV diagnosis led to me at New York Fashion Week. I attended my routine check-up as usual. I was triaged and after being placed in the exam room, my doctor asked to speak with...