I was diagnosed in ’97 at the age of 18. I live in Chicago... OK, 20 minutes north of the city, in Niles. My HIV doctor is at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I also have lupus and some other chronic illnesses, but I don’t want to brag—just kidding. I’m always looking to read everything and anything about and for the community.
I love your magazine because it makes me feel connected and not so alone. I don’t really know anyone else who is positive, so any connection is very welcome.
—Name withheld
Getting through it together
I was in a place of worship, when a stranger came up to me and said, “You’re the HIV gal in Facebook?” I responded, yes. She whispered in my ear, “I’m HIV positive.” We sat and chatted for a long while. She was devastated, lost, stigmatized, she had so many feelings. I immediately went into my “HIV mom” mode. I made her feel comfortable and stigma free; her boyfriend was horrible to her and had transmitted the virus to her. I invited her to our organization, gave her my number, told her she’s not alone and to please keep in touch with me. We’ve texted. I will help her get through this! She said, “You’re the only person I know with HIV.” I responded. “No, honey. There are many people living with HIV, but sometimes stigma keeps them in the closet. “Stay strong, let’s keep in touch, go to groups, and outings. I will call you and invite you; let’s get through this together! I wish I can help everyone, especially people who are newly diagnosed. Life goes on. Do not allow stigma to control your feelings! Take it by the horns and direct it towards a better healthy lifestyle. Live life!
— Lillibeth Gonzalez
Correction
In “Guide to Long-Acting Injectables for HIV” (2024 HIV Drug Guide), it was incorrectly stated that cabotegravir is a capsid inhibitor drug. Cabotegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). POSITIVELY AWARE regrets the error.