welcome to my intersection
friday
november 25 2016
756 pm
This sounded like a great idea in my head but this has become one of the most difficult things I have EVER experienced let alone write about.
I tried coming up with a catchy title but came up empty handed. All I knew is that I needed a space where I could be open, honest, real, raw and transparent – without judgement, without gimmick. Somewhere I could share – FREELY.
I want to be the voice that I was so desperately seeking the day I got the call. Yes, the doctor’s office called me and told me I tested positive for HIV but that’s a conversation for another day.
I yearned to hear from a millennial sista’s point of view. But as I ferociously and feverishly searched the internet looking for a blog, a prayer, scripture reference, an article, SOMETHING; I quickly realized that the face of this was REALLY white, REALLY male and REALLY gay.
I found not one millennial sista who was talking from the point of view that I was searching for, talking about her diagnosis, doing her advocacy, sharing her personal experiences living life with HIV. So, during prayer the next morning, God laid Psalms 23 heavy on my heart and then told me to write. Write because what I was looking, yearning and searching for was for me and in me to do.
So, welcome to my intersection… of being black, heterosexual, Christian, dual degreed, MBA, sorority girl, single and woman who was diagnosed as HIV+ on Sept 29 2016.
Sometimes this space will take the form of my personal diary. Other times it’ll serve as informative prose. Other times it may look like a complete fragmented vent session. But just know that whatever the form, ALL of it is coming from a genuine place. I want to give voice – a sound to my sistas that have found themselves in this place.
Those that are mute because of the fear of judgement and character assassination.
The ones sitting in pews and serving in their places of worship but literally dying on the inside not because of HIV but because of the weight and perceived stigmas and stereotypes of it all.
The sista in the prime of her career/ educational pursuits or the height of entrepreneurship and she thinks she has nowhere to turn or lacks a supportive and understanding tribe.
The sista who’s pacing the floor with a drank in her hand torn between fits of rage and replaying the countless times that he looked her in face and said, “I love you.”
This is your space is for you.
This space is for all of us. This is your tribe now.
Your fight is my fight – one step, one punch, one round at a time.
January 7, 2018 @ 2:05 AM
Wow this is an amazing testimony! Thank you for being so open and honest about your situation . Remember your current situation is not your final destination! God bless
January 7, 2018 @ 7:23 AM
Jessica,
Thank you so much for these kind words. Testimony requires transparency.
Peace and blessings to you sis!
February 22, 2018 @ 1:59 AM
Jessica,
Thank you so much for these kind words. Testimony requires transparency.
Peace and blessings to you sis!
January 19, 2018 @ 9:06 PM
Your courage and your strength is so empowering. I am so proud of you and I pray that your this platform becomes more than a blog. It was crafted through your vision and you now have an extended reach pour into those who need your testimony most. May you continue to be blessed in so much abundance as you soar higher than you’ve ever imagined possible. I am so glad I had the pleasure of doing business with you and I’m even more appreciative of your genuinely kind and loving spirit. I see so much greatness within you. I look forward to reading in your blog. Xx
February 22, 2018 @ 2:31 AM
Nafisah,
You are a complete Godsend. Thank you so much for taking my vision and bringing it to life. Thank you so much for these kind words. I thank you and I appreciate you. Thank you soooo much for your support.
January 22, 2018 @ 8:03 PM
Yep, THAT part. Love the start… KEEP GOING!!!!
February 22, 2018 @ 2:31 AM
Can’t stop! Won’t stop! *Diddy voice*
February 3, 2018 @ 2:40 AM
I’m so happy I’ve come across your blog! Thank you for being courageous enough to have a voice!!! I’m sure you’re helping so many with this! God bless x
February 22, 2018 @ 2:32 AM
That is my prayer, Tisha!
Peace & blessings!
February 5, 2018 @ 1:01 PM
In 2012 I went to BlogHer Health and there was a woman of color there talking about your journey as an African American with HIV. I don’t recall her blog, but it’s out there. I like there are many people who need to hear your story, so keep shining your light to others. All the best!
February 22, 2018 @ 2:34 AM
Elle,
I didn’t even know there was a BlogHer Health conference.
Now I must investigate.
Thank you so much!
February 5, 2018 @ 1:09 PM
Wow you are so brave. I am happy you are telling your story. I will be honest I dont know many people who have been diagnosis with HIV so I am still pretty ignorant about it so maybe reading your personal experiences can make me understand better. Many blessings to you!
February 22, 2018 @ 2:35 AM
Blessings to you as well Kiwi!
I am hoping to be a voice for those that need it and educate to the best of my ability.
Thank you so much!
February 5, 2018 @ 1:55 PM
Thank you for sharing your truth and your journey. It is really necessary as the HIV rates in our communities continue to rise. A voice is needed to advocate and to share the truth about living with HIV in order to remove the stigma.
February 22, 2018 @ 2:37 AM
Kita,
Thank you for taking the time to stop by. Storytelling and representation is so very important to remove stigma and stereotypes.
February 5, 2018 @ 4:29 PM
I’ve learned that our story isn’t for us. It is for someone else. I firmly believe that. When the next brown girl Googles this she will find your post. You are blazing a path.
February 22, 2018 @ 2:39 AM
That is a powerful statement and I am hoping that I can help the next brown girl navigate through this topic, regardless of status.
February 5, 2018 @ 5:45 PM
ROUND OF APPLUASE!! I salute you for taking a step out in bravery and obeying God! This right here is so inspiring because I’m sure it was a hard thing to do so I commend you and definitely will keep you in my prayers! God’s going to use you!
February 22, 2018 @ 3:00 AM
It was definitely a hard yet necessary thing to do. So, your words of encouragement are much appreciated and much needed.
Thank you so much for keeping me in your prayers.
It is my hope and prayer that God gets the glory out of all of this.
Peace and blessings, sis.
February 5, 2018 @ 7:14 PM
I love that you saw and felt the absence of a needed community and created your own! Kudos to you. It takes a lot of courage to really put yourself out there, especially about something so personal. You’re definitely going to change and save lives!
February 22, 2018 @ 3:26 AM
Ashleigh,
Thank you so much for the kudos.
Much appreciated.
I feel that representation is so very necessary and important, especially with women of color.
February 6, 2018 @ 12:20 PM
This is an amazing post. I love how open you are. I look forward to reading many of your posts. I can’t wait to see what you share. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your story.
February 6, 2018 @ 12:55 PM
I admire your strength and courage. Sometimes the power of the message and words resonate much further than any catch phrase of title ever could.
February 7, 2018 @ 3:24 AM
I am sooo proud of you. Thanks for sharing and for giving sisters who are feeling like they don’t belong a place to feel safe. And if you’re ever having one of those days, when you need some one to listen… I’l be happy to.
February 9, 2018 @ 8:15 PM
Thank you for being a voice to those who need it. This post was a testimony meant need to hear.