You may not have much knowledge or proper facts about HIV, but I’m here to share a part of my life to break the ice of stigma.

I was born with HIV. I am happy to say I’ve been undetectable for 27 years.  I’ve had three failed relationships and been rejected, and although I feel depressed and hurt, I’m still going to keep my faith. Only God can judge me. I’m always praying that I find love and live a regular life that I deserve. Do I not deserve to feel free? Do I not deserve to be a mom and have a wonderful husband? Although love comes to some easily, I’m sitting crying, hoping, praying and wondering if I’m next.

I just can’t understand why people don’t seem to understand HIV is no longer a death sentence. Why can’t they break from fear and get educated? I feel like it is keeping me from happiness. It’s like a huge dark cloud full of questions: Why me? Do I not deserve love?

I’m the only one besides my mom in my family who has HIV. I didn’t understand it at first, but now I feel like if I don’t speak up and just allow people to continue to stigmatize me that will keep me away from possible motherhood, friendships and marriage. I’m fighting to feel like a normal person with a normal life of happiness. Please tell me how much longer I have to wait. My goal is to share more of my story of growing up in the ’90s with HIV. I would love to do a true-story movie. It would be very long. Thank you all so much for reading. God bless you.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m not a quitter. I’m strong. I believe in miracles.

What is your greatest achievement?

Staying undetectable and getting back on my feet after I was homeless.

What is your greatest regret?

Not speaking up sooner about how stigma of HIV is really affecting me mentally.

What keeps you up at night?

Thinking and worrying about what might happen in my future and who I’m going to be, where I’m going to end up and if I going to survive HIV stigma

If you could change one thing about living with HIV, what would it be?

To prevent all transmission of it.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Live and keep fighting for your happiness.

What person in the HIV/AIDS community do you most admire?

I admire the strength of everyone who shares their story.

What drives you to do what you do?

Knowing that even though I have HIV, I still have a chance to live.

What is your motto?

“Fight for a greater chance in life.”

If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?

My medication.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?

A dove so I could have peace in my life.