June 5, 2020

Today marks another HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day (#HLTSAD). Even as we celebrate the longevity, resilience, and incredible achievements of so many long-term survivors–many of whom never expected to live more than a few months at the time of diagnosis–PWN recognizes that not all long-term survivors have had the same experiences. And tragically, far too many people diagnosed with HIV even today–especially Black folks, people of trans experience, and Latinx folks–face so many barriers, too often the result of systemic racism and transphobia, that they never become long-term survivors. As we honor the many inspiring long-term survivors among us, we also grieve those who should have been here with us today and are not.

Some long-term survivors acquired HIV as adults in the early days of the epidemic, when there was no effective treatment, and lost so many friends, partners, colleagues, family members, and loved ones. Other long-term survivors were born with HIV and have never known what it’s like to live without that diagnosis. And, four decades into the epidemic, there are long-term survivors today who were fortunate enough to have access to effective medication at or soon after diagnosis. Much has changed over the course of the epidemic, and sadly, too much has remained the same, especially when it comes to stigma and barriers.

Please join PWN in celebrating our long-term survivors today, grieving our loved ones gone too soon, and in demanding an end to the racism, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, stigma, and broken health care system that make survival of a manageable health condition a privilege in this country.

Shero of the Month: Alecia Tramel

Our May 2020 Shero of the Month is Alecia Tramel of Miami, Florida. Alecia is a mother, grandmother, community activist, HIV advocate, as well as PWN’s Florida State Lead. She is the founder of Positive People Network, Inc., a social organization for people living with HIV and AIDS that provides opportunities for social support, outings, and direct support for people in need.

“Alecia is a powerhouse here in Miami and nationally,” said Jennie Smith-Camejo, communications director for PWN. “From providing direct support on the ground to people experiencing homelessness, to fundraising to support people living with HIV having trouble making ends meet, to organizing her community to pass Amendment 4 restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions, to participating in the Florida HIV Justice Coalition, working to reform the state’s HIV criminalization laws, she never stops working to help her community and is involved in everything! It’s amazing how much she is able to accomplish with only 24 hours in a day.”

Long-Term Survivors: In Our Own Words

“I have learned that I am more than a diagnosis. I am not limited to receiving or giving love, dignity, pleasure, or humanity just because I am living with HIV. I will keep living, thriving, and surviving.” – Kamaria Laffrey, Florida, diagnosed in 2003.

“32 years ago, when I tested positive for HIV/AIDS, women of color were not taking the initiative to test nor were health care providers offering information.

Presently, advanced testing technology has become available for prevention. My advice is to be proactive and take the test.

Today, I am a strong advocate for universal health care and lowering prescription costs. The demand for these changes is urgent and a priority for me as I continue to age with new comorbidities.