By Christina Cherel

Redefining Courage: HIVR4P and the Power of Bold Living

At the fifth HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P) conference this week, I saw people living with HIV redefining courage. Today, on Mental Health Day, their stories feel more urgent than ever.

The Silent Challenge: Mental Health Care for HIV Advocates

Addressing the mental health needs of people living with HIV, including advocates and researchers leading at the forefront of HIV prevention efforts, is paramount. And yet, many of them continue to experience the silent challenge of missing or inadequate mental health care for themselves and the communities they represent. 

FPNN: Elevating Community Stories and Mental Health

Family Planning News Network (FPNN) is grounded in the core principle that the most authentic and powerful way to elevate a story is to originate from the community it represents. At FPNN, mental health support is as crucial as physical care in elevating community stories.

Stories of Resilience: Overcoming Stigma and Finding Strength

This week, I was fortunate enough to meet two people living with HIV who are redefining stigma and self-care within the HIV space. They are fearless in their pursuit of helping others face the challenges that seemed insurmountable to them just a few years ago. One of these new friends told me that when he received his diagnosis initially, he planned a long weekend of partying with friends as a “silent goodbye” before planning to take his life. 

This beautiful person had chosen death rather than live with the stigma that others project onto those diagnosed with HIV. A world without this person would be less vibrant, warm, and whole. He has already helped so many others facing the same diagnosis he received ten years ago. Not only has he survived that initial diagnosis, but he is now inspiring others and committed to ensuring HIV is more than a “3 letter diagnosis.” He amazes me with his courage (not to mention his impeccable sense of style and sense of humor).

Navigating Self-Care: Balancing Advocacy and Well-being

I also met another inspiring advocate who, despite balancing the weight of multiple responsibilities, is bravely navigating the intersection of HIV and mental health. Another new friend is a full-time student studying psychology to understand the connection between HIV and mental health. He is also a person living with HIV, a full-time caregiver to his three nieces and nephews, and a globally recognized youth champion. 

Throughout our time at the conference, there were some days that he needed to take space and take time for himself. Despite the many things on his shoulders, he expressed guilt about taking time for self-care. We must do better in supporting the mental health care needs of people living with and supporting those affected by HIV.

Centering Vulnerable Communities in HIV and SRHR

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet more members of the HIV + community. As a lifelong Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocate, a commitment to equity and lifting up those most vulnerable among us is not new to me. Having spent my career advocating for SRHR and equity, I know the importance of centering those most affected by HIV. It’s essential to recognize the added weight mental health issues place on already vulnerable communities. 

Intersectionality in Action: The Link Between HIV and SRHR

And, of course, it’s the most vulnerable among us- people of color, gender and sexual minorities, low-income people, and undocumented persons, who face the heaviest burden of limited access to treatment. Meeting the advocates involved in this work and being able to make the intersections of HIV and SRHR more transparent means that the communities I work with can gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between HIV and SRHR.

A Call to Action: Investing in Mental Health Support

As we celebrate Mental Health Day, let’s commit to ensuring that HIV advocates and individuals receive the mental health support they deserve. It’s time to invest in care that uplifts and sustains those on the front lines. As HIVR4P in Lima draws to a close today, I hope we all find inspiration in the bold lives of those we’ve met. As my new friend and fearless HIV advocate shared with me countless times this week, we must “celebrate life”-especially for those who were not given the chance to do so. 

Living Out Loud: Honoring the Advocates and Their Impact

Here is to living life out loud and celebrating every day. Here’s to my new friends and the many lives they have yet to impact through their fearless advocacy efforts. 

--- Christina Cherel is a Senior Technical Advisor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and she co-founded the Family Planning News Network.