If you truly hear my message, please share it, find any way you can to resist and fight back, fight for me, because when they're done with me and my community, they'll come for you and yours.
It was from the second class that I really understood that I am HIV-positive. Since then, nothing was the same as before.
HIV had kept me locked in fear for over a decade, constantly worrying about stigma and judgement. But I reminded myself of everything I had learned through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness: Stay present.
Last year when visiting my HIV allies in South Korea I realized that HIV stigma is still very high in South Korea, so even today you will hardly see people open about HIV.
This moment calls to us to affirm our commitment to you and this work, based on our core values.
HIV was transmitted to me by my mother at birth. I cannot explain to you how my transmission took place because I myself have no idea.
HAND — What is it? And why should you care? Well, it affects over 50% of our population (HIV+ peeps). It stands for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder. Sounds rather daunting doesn't it?
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.
This compilation of stories is just one approach Christie's Place has made toward addressing the visibility of women living with HIV. We aim to encourage a cultural shift in harmful narratives that enable HIV-related stigma to persist.
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.