Transcript

My name is Julia and I am 51 years old and I'm originally from New York and I've been living in Miami for the past 19 years.

I was diagnosed in '89 to be precise in April of '89, First learning that I was pregnant at the time.

And realizing that I was pregnant, my husband told me prior that he had tested positive for the virus.

Gladly to report that my son is a very healthy 18 year old going to college this day and not HIV positive.

The stigma is just still today, you know we're talking 2008 from '89, it still hasn't changed.

HIV still has... how do you say like a label attached to it and unfortunately especially, especially in the Hispanic community and with women.

First learn your status, this will give you the opportunity to take control. You are in control of your body your life everything that you choose to do.

There is a life with HIV, there is a life after HIV or AIDS.

Go out there and find your status, find out take action, don't crawl under a rock, it's your choice.

Mi mensaje para la comunidad y afuera es- conocer tu estato. Saber es el poder.

Conocer de si eres positiva o no, y tu companera o companero si ellos son positivos. Ok, saber es tener el poder para un mejor manana.

Soy una person viviendo con el sida y muchas personas me dicen no es posible que tu te veas asi o te mires asi y seas positiva.

Si yo soy. Soy madre abuela y sigo viviendo.

Yo tome el paso para seguir adelante.