Tell me part of your story of living with HIV?
On July 1st, 2024, my life changed when I tested positive for HIV. As a young Black and Brown trans woman and an HIV prevention advocate, this diagnosis felt like a shock. I had been on PrEP and thought I was doing everything right, but life can still surprise you. Initially, I struggled with fear, stigma, and uncertainty. However, I soon realized that this was not the end but a new chapter in my journey. Drawing strength from my community and people like my brother, Terrell Parker, whose advocacy for PrEP had inspired me, I began to accept my diagnosis. I knew I had to turn this into an opportunity to live boldly and fight harder for the rights and dignity of people living with HIV, especially within marginalized communities.
Living with HIV has shifted my perspective, and I’ve embraced my diagnosis as part of my advocacy work. I’ve started treatment and am now undetectable, and I’ve made it my mission to fight the stigma surrounding HIV, particularly in the trans community. I plan to share my story to inspire others to get tested, seek support, and realize that an HIV diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. It’s a call to love ourselves and advocate for access to care and resources, especially for Black and Brown trans women like me. My story is one of resilience, empowerment, and a deep commitment to changing the narrative around HIV.
What would ending the HIV Epidemic mean to you?
If we ended the HIV epidemic, it would mean a profound shift not just in public health, but in the lives of millions of people worldwide, especially those in marginalized communities like mine. As a young Black and Brown trans woman living with HIV, the end of this epidemic would symbolize freedom—from stigma, fear, and the systemic barriers that often deny people like me the care and dignity we deserve. It would mean that future generations wouldn’t have to carry the weight of an HIV diagnosis as a burden or a label that sets them apart.
Ending the HIV epidemic would represent justice and equity finally being realized in healthcare, particularly for Black and Brown trans women, who have disproportionately faced the impact of HIV. It would mean that our stories of resilience and advocacy have been heard and valued, and that our lives matter. Most importantly, it would be a testament to the power of community, love, and persistence in overcoming the challenges we face. For me, it would mark the culmination of years of advocacy and a vision of a world where we can all live without fear—where we thrive together, unburdened by the pain and isolation that HIV has caused for so long.
What does U=U mean to you? How does it affect your life?
U=U, or Undetectable = Untransmittable, is incredibly empowering to me. It means that with effective HIV treatment, I can reach an undetectable viral load and not transmit the virus to others. This knowledge has given me a sense of control and hope in my journey living with HIV. It transformed how I see myself and my future—knowing that I can have healthy relationships without the fear of passing on the virus is life-changing.
Learning about U=U brought me relief and shattered the stigma I had internalized. It shifted my focus from fear to empowerment. As a young trans woman, U=U has allowed me to reclaim my narrative, reminding me that I am not defined by my HIV status but by my resilience and the actions I take to care for myself and my community.
How long have you been undetectable?
I’ve been undetectable for about three months now since I began treatment shortly after my HIV diagnosis in July 2024. This milestone has been incredibly empowering and has reinforced my commitment to both my health and my advocacy work.
