HIV stigma and my story of resilience- Clement 20

“The emotional burden of stigma weighed heavily on my heart.”

Waking up every morning in my home village, there was always a hint of sadness that made smiling a rare occurrence. I had been living with HIV for a few years, and while I had learned to cope with the physical aspects of the condition, the emotional burden of stigma weighed heavily on my heart. 'Why me?' I often wondered.

“Rejected by my own people.”

As I walked through the village, I could feel the stares and whispers following me like shadows. Some of my neighbours who once greeted me warmly now saw me as if my presence was a danger to them. It hurt deeply to witness the people I grew up with treating me as if I were contagious, an outcast to be avoided. Even my closest friends, including my girl 'G', turned away from me.

“Isolation as self-preservation”

Everywhere I turned, I heard rumours and misconceptions about HIV. I wanted to shout at them, to tell them they were wrong! That I was not defined by my condition! But fear held my voice back. Instead, I retreated into my own cocoon, building an emotional barrier to protect myself from the pain.

“Ignorance is immensely blissful.”

The isolation became unbearable as I found myself withdrawing from social gatherings and community events. It was easier to hide away than to face judgment and stigma. I longed for acceptance and understanding, but it seemed like an impossible dream within the confines of my village. I tried to educate people and share accurate information about HIV, but it fell on deaf ears. Ignorance seemed more comfortable than acknowledging facts, the actual truth. The loneliness gnawed at me and I yearned for someone to reach out and offer a supportive hand.

“A safe space at last”

One day, unable to bear the weight of it all, I confided in my childhood friend, Titi. Tears streamed down my face as I told her about my struggles, fears, and the overwhelming stigma I faced daily. I expected rejection; instead, she hugged me tightly and told me that I was still the same person she had known and loved for years.

“My very bright future”

With Titi's unwavering support, I mustered the strength to confront the stigma head-on. I told myself that I had come this far; why should I give up at the university level? I was going to make it; nothing was more important than my success. I had siblings and parents to take care of and all eyes were on me. I had to stop listening to the negativity and find a comfortable place that we could truly call home. Those words kept ringing in my mind a thousand times.

“I am more, so much more.”

Through it all, I learned that I was not defined by my HIV status. I was a person with dreams, aspirations, and the capacity to love and be loved. Stigmatization had been a painful part of my journey, but I refused to let it extinguish the light within me. With Titi by my side and the newfound support of some villagers, I continue to advocate for understanding and acceptance, one step at a time.