Disability Denial: Acceptance and Next StepsIn 2017, I went on social security disability. At the time, I thought my disability was approved due to all my health issues. I would later find out that my... By Heather Renee4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
A New Role: Where My Career and HIV Experience CollideI have some great news that I would like to share with you all. I was promoted from program supervisor to senior program manager at the organization that I work... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
From Struggle to Strength: Rediscovering LoveAs my boyfriend moved around the apartment, one of our dogs became overly excited. The next thing I know, his laptop hits the floor - hard. I flinch back and... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
My Cruising Vacation ExperienceI recently returned from my very first cruise. I was super nervous to go for various reasons. These reasons ranged from being stuck on a ship for 6 days to... By Heather Renee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
This Is How Black Women FeelAmong all women, Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV and have the highest rate of HIV diagnosis in the United States. Over the years, I have seen and learned... By Davina Conner2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
What to Consider When Considering DisclosingI have disclosed my status to so many people over the last few years - I honestly remember each conversation. I am sure that many people reading this might have... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
My Medical Care Journey: Transitioning from Negative to Positive CareReceiving an HIV diagnosis can easily knock you off your feet and stun you. This happened to me. Once the initial impact wore off, I realized that I had settled... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Why I Shouldn't Be Afraid to Call My Doctor BackThe first time I heard the term AFRAIDS was several years before I tested positive for HIV. A friend said it was a new disease killing people. It made people... By Robert Brunet3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Challenges, Advocacy, and Support for Long-term SurvivorsLiving with HIV can be a journey of ups and downs, but for those who are long-term survivors, our challenges can be different. Many of us have been living with... By Davina Conner3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Skill DevelopmentAs of lately, I have been spending a lot of time thinking about my leadership skills and how I want to continue to further grow and develop them. Upon thinking... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Fatigue Is More Than Justing Being TiredWith close to 4 decades of living with HIV, I have seen a lot of ups and downs where my health is concerned. Thankfully, the major events have been kept... By Shawn Decker3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments
Breaking Barriers to PrEP Uptake in Black WomenIn recent years, there has been a growing movement from organizations to empower and uplift Black women in all aspects of life. This is particularly true when it comes to... By Davina Conner3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Sleep, Insomnia, and Chronic ConditionsSighing with frustration, I roll over on my back and stretch. I have been laying in bed, trying to fall asleep, for a long time at this point. Looking around... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Stay Proud After PrideHave you all noticed the lack of rainbows lately? I always realize when pride season is over because I see less and less things in rainbow colors or with rainbow... By Steven Campa2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Dissecting the HIV Rate in the Black CommunityThere are 12 months in the year, but we have 16 HIV awareness days throughout the year. That is a lot of months where HIV can be brought to life... By Davina Conner2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
The Years of the RabbitI'm a casual fan of astrology; the coffee shop, newspaper dabbling variety. Please forgive any ignorance on my part. What I'm confident in is that my sign is a disease... By Shawn Decker5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
An Unconventional Solution for HIV ReliefLiving with HIV brings its own set of challenges, including a rollercoaster of symptoms that impact every aspect of life. As someone who is journeying through this experience, I have... By Ze2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Latent Diagnosis: Living UndiagnosedWithout the proper testing, some cases of HIV can persist for years without obvious signs of infection. I remember waking up in the ICU with an intubation tube down my... By Heather Renee3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
What Does Disclosure Look Like for You?To start - let's just say there is no right or wrong way to disclose, and disclosure looks how you want it to look. I want you to know that... By Davina Conner4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
How (and Why) I Took Control of My Treatment PlanI could not choose the time and place I became HIV positive. But I did decide when and why I would begin my treatment. I believe my ongoing participation in... By Robert Brunet3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments