The inspirational journeys of people who are long-term survivors of HIV
Thulile
Thulile
Durban, South Africa
Thulile, a long-term #HIV survivor from Durban, South Africa, was born with the virus and has been living with it for more than 25 years. Photographs and story by Thulile.
I am strong. I am beautiful. I am a positive woman, in all senses of that word. And I won’t let anyone discriminate against me.
That’s why I have survived. Every time I fall ill, I always tell the virus that this is my body, you are a tenant, so behave well. Because if you don’t, I will die and you will die, because you will have no place to live.
I call my organization The Angels’ Light. I came up with the name because of the kids who are born with the virus. They are the angels, shining bright for the future.
Together we are strong, we are beautiful.
We are positive. And we will not allow anyone to discriminate against us.
In recent years, I joined a research clinic based in Durban as part of their community advisory board, and I represented my country at international AIDS conferences.
In 2020, I fell pregnant and am now mom to an 11-month-old beautiful baby girl. I love and enjoy being a mom, but it’s hard when you are not working. I do the best I can.
T a k e a c t i o n
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