It wasnt from a doctors diagnosis or a candid conversation with my parents.
She knew this because her mother disclosed my status to her.
Receiving an HIV diagnosis is a life-altering moment that can send shockwaves through every aspect of ones life.
From emotional discomfort to practical considerations, the journey post-diagnosis is complex and challenging.
Growing up, I was blissfully unaware of the complexities surrounding HIV.
It was just another acronym in the alphabet soup of health education classes.
Other than the disbelief, I dont remember how I reacted when my mothers response confirmed the news.
As a matter of fact, I dont remember what happened even 2 years after that first revelation.
I only revisited the news when I turned 13, when I was going through an adolescent stage.
Everyone feared this virus!
The weight of secrecy and shame descended upon me like a suffocating cloak.
I became consumed by a sense of isolation, fearing rejection and judgment from those around me.
Questions swirled in my mind: How could anyone accept me now?
Would I ever be loved?
Will I be able to reproduce?
Am I dying soon?
The stigma associated with HIV cast a long shadow over my childhood, eclipsing any semblance of normalcy.
When I turned 15, I felt the need to face the truth.
This meant allowing myself to feel all the emotions and being vulnerable.
My religious belief gave me hope in the engulfing darkness.
I am 23 years old now.
I am currently in the process of creating an intimate community for people living with HIV across the globe.
To anyone grappling with the weight of HIV stigma, c’mon know that you are not alone.
Reach out for support, speak your truth, and never allow shame to silence your voice.
