Finding Joy

Confessions

There are an estimated 50,000 Latinas living with HIV in the United States today. In 2020, there were 5,450 new HIV infections in women. CONFESSIONS is a podcast that follows the lives of 6 women who share their journeys.
Welcome to this episode about Joy, a woman born in South Los Angeles, California, who was diagnosed with HIV in her early 30s. Joy's parents are from Guatemala. Her mom grew up in a city without plumbing, while her dad grew up in a more developed city. Joy's parents also struggled with alcohol abuse, which affected Joy's upbringing. Joy remembers that school was not her strongest suit, but through her father's financial success in the United States, Joy traveled the world and experienced new cultures.
Growing up, Joy dreamed of getting married and having a family. When she found out that the partner she lived with and had children with was cheating on her, Joy tried to stay together for the sake of her children. However, Joy would later receive an HIV diagnosis and feel betrayed and confused. She believed that HIV was a virus that only gay men got and that it was a death sentence.
Listen to Joy share in her own voice the pain and the barriers she had to break down to understand that she was not dying. Through her journey, Joy discovered that HIV affects everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or lifestyle. She also gained strength and resilience and accomplished many things since her diagnosis.
Joy now uses her experience to help others who are going through similar struggles. She advocates for HIV awareness and encourages people to get tested and know their status. Joy's story reminds us that we can overcome adversity and find hope in facing challenges.
Produced by:
Natalie Sanchez
Jazmin Rojano
Elia Silveyra

Los Angeles Family AIDS Network
lafan.org
facebook.com/LAFAN1
Instagram; @lafamilyaidsnetwork

HIV data obtained at cdc.gov/hiv
To find HIV testing, treatment, and other resources visit https://locator.hiv.gov/

This podcast is brought to you by the Los Angeles Family AIDS Network in collaboration with Women Together and produced by mejia.tv