Going through a journey that is alienating and marginalizing means that we become more prone to mental health issues.
I had my first suicide attempt in 2015, at age 20.
I speak about stigma a lot, and what we dont speak enough about is: internal stigma.
Internalized stigma is what I struggled with a lot.
My self-image completely changed because I believed I was not worthy of anything.
The beginning of this year was very hard for me.
I have even gone back to being excited about things I used to love doing.
Depression had stolen so much joy from me.
Another part of my life that is very connected to my journey with HIV is my sexuality and identity.
Queer, black love is beautiful.
There is not much information and access out there for us to tap into and learn from.
I do it because I simply dont like wasting my time.
We do not get the short end of the stick just because we are living with HIV.
We should never have to feel like someone being with us is a favor, or them being charitable.
We are great people, doing great things, and living great lives beyond our HIV status.
I shared my HIV status on Facebook almost ten years ago.
I do this for.
Its not easy, but the journey of an HIVictor is a beautiful one.
