How I See Myself

By Davina Conner

1 min read

Last updated: March 2022

In this video, Dee talks about the impact of the self-stigma of being HIV positive and how she works every day to tune out the negativity and judgment from others.

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caseyh Community Admin
I absolutely love your message of self-worth and acceptance, Dee. I think this is a reminder that SO many can use today, and every day! You are so strong and you're right, you can get through anything! -Casey, <a href='http://H-I-V.net' target='_blank'>H-I-V.net</a> Team
1. Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
 Alafia (Peace) Casey, i wanted to reach out to say thank you so much for all you do for the <a href='http://H-I-V.net' target='_blank'>H-I-V.net</a> community. I for one appreciate you and your contributions to our dialogue and discussions.
2. caseyh Community Admin
 Oh thank you so much for this, Khafre! Your comment made my day! I appreciate you and your contributions, too! I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead! Sending hugs!
michael Member
I'm certain living as an HIV-pos person is difficult enough, because I've lived 35 years with AIDS. I never had the HIV+ diagnosis. My first test revealed that I would be dead in less than 2 yrs. But I've never been ashamed to tell people I've lived with AIDS all these years, and I'm still around to talk about the horrors of the 80s, and the loved ones I lost, and being homeless. I see it as a badge of courage & survival.
1. Davina Conner Contributor
 It is absoluetly a badge of courage and honor and although I have lived with HIV for 23 years I respect and appreciate all the long term survivors because many of you have paved the way for all of how who live with HIV and I thank you, Michael.
2. Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
 Alafia (Peace) Dee, I don't want you to ever not understand the positive impact you have had, especially on women who are living with HIV. That goes for newly diagnosed or long term survivors. You are consistently giving voices and combating HIV related stigma.
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) Dee, You touched my soul with this video. Sometimes we tell ourselves that we are the only one who has had a particular experience. Often that isolation and being in your own head clouds your thinking. Once we push past the negative thoughts and feeling which we have taken on from what others have put on us, we find a freedom. Thank you again for always sharing so completely honest with us.
1. Davina Conner Contributor
 Khafre, absolutely.... Most times we get so use to the negative thoughts that it them becomes part of us and we can't see anything good. Everything anyone does or says we turn it into a negative.. And once we begin to understand that other peoples thoughts of us are their own issue and not ours we start to actuary live. Everyone who is living with HIV/AIDS has a different journey but we all still live with the same virus that has been stigmatized against for many, many years, but some take how others see them and live it that feeling.. I never want to feel that feeling ever again.. Talking life as it is and just being grateful to still be alive is enough for me. And thank you
2. Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
 Alafia (Peace) Dee, You are so right. When we are not in a confident place the things people say we often turn it into something negative. It's so good to hear you are in a great place.
AngelatLee58 Member
What does HIV look like to me has its own set of challenges. I've never had a problem getting in relationships and as a matter of fact I have been married many <a href='http://times.The' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>times.The</a> problem I have and I have heard others diagnosed with HIV is some people who are not HIV tend to take advantage of those who are because they play on an HIV positive persons self-esteem. Unfortunately some persons including myself have experienced domestic violence and abuse because people with HIV like myself would think that nobody else would love them because of their diagnosis. However I do not allow HIV to dictate whether I am lovable or not because I know I am. I do not allow HIV to dictate whether I'm worthy of the love that I see people without HIV getting. I do not allow HIV to dictate whether I will live alone for the rest of my life with this diagnosis ...alone. I believe that God has a husband for me that will love me with or without hair...with or without HIV...with or without a terrible past and they will see me as the beautiful loving woman that I am and my soon to have husband will allow me to love him the way God has shown me... unconditionally... unwavering and unjudgemental. The same way I prayed all these years for God to create a cure for HIV and so far he has allowed various types of medications to become available to bring about long life health and strength for people diagnosed with HIV. I still believe and have faith that God will create a cure... thank you for letting me share.
1. AngelatLee58 Member
 You are welcome love and it's a blessing to meet you
2. Davina Conner Contributor
 <inline-mention username="angelatlee56" user-id="2045775"/> A blessing to meet you as well
Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
Alafia (Peace) You are dealing with HIV head on. I am amazed by your strength. Khafre (Team Member)
1. Davina Conner Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Khafre Kujichagulia Abif" user-id="2046187"/> Thank you
2. Khafre Kujichagulia Abif Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Davina Conner" user-id="2047729"/> Alafia (Peace) No, Thank you for all you do. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
AngelatLee58 Member
Thank you my love 🥰
1. Davina Conner Contributor
 <inline-mention username="angelatlee56" user-id="2045775"/> Your welcome 😀

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