It would be an understatement to say that I had a troubled childhood.
As a child, I was physically abused and taken away from my birth mother.
I dropped out of school and grew up fast by getting into unhealthy relationships with men.
Photo courtesy of Nicky Bravo / Designed by Julie Bang / Verywell
I started using drugs: first cocaine and alcohol, and later crack cocaine and injecting heroin.
I became a sex worker and tookHIV testsat mobile sites, because they paid you to get tested.
That was how I found out I wasHIV-positivein 2001.
I wanted to kill myself.
I was alone, and this diagnosis made me feel even more alone.
I ended up getting arrested and was sent to prison, where I started to see a doctor.
This was the first time I had seen a doctor beyond mobile pop-up events.
I started taking care of my body and got on an HIV medication, Atripla.
There was a stigma associated with HIV in prison.
Nicky Bravo
I had a lot of guilt and a lot of shame in my life.
I did a drug program and became eligible for work release.
During these sessions, I started opening up about myself and my status.
I started to take accountability for everything and all the people I had wronged.
I always thought that I was damaged goods.
This was the first time I had felt real companionship.
But I thought maybe I could give back and help people struggling to accept their status.
I went to HIV information trainings.
I started to put myself back together, and I wanted to help people.
I met the love of my life through the Family Centers Positive Life Workshop.
Weve been married for nine years.
He understands my journey, and we support each other.
Working With the HIV Community
Ive been withAlliance for Positive Changefor about eight years.
They have been amazing and treated me with kindness.
I visit them at their homes and help them manage their money, like going food shopping with them.
I go with them to appointments and the pharmacy for medication.
Basically, I give them the support connection I wish I had then and do have now.
My responsibilities dont end when they walk through our doors or join a group workshop.
I follow their journeys, oftentimes for years.
Where I Stand Today
Ive learned how to deal with a lot of my guilt and shame.
I dont medicate my feelings anymore.
I have a good internet of people in my life.
I need productive, positive people in my life.
Everyone that Ive come across at Alliance has a passion.
Were here to provide important services.
Im really grateful that I am where I am today.
Im just going to enjoy life, because for a lot of years I wasnt able to enjoy it.
No matter what, people can change their lives.
They just have to want it and have a support connection.
