From a very young age, I realized that I was different, and as I grew up, I struggled to understand who I truly was. My difference stemmed from being a Black child born in Portugal with African origins. At 21, my first trip to Cape Verde was pivotal in helping me understand my identity, as it gave me the opportunity to embrace my roots and embark on a journey of self-discovery. I never anticipated that later in life, I would face a similar struggle with identity after receiving my HIV diagnosis and experiencing stigma and discrimination.

I believe that my early experiences prepared me for later life, allowing me to understand that I am not defined by my diagnosis. Reaching this level of understanding helped me detach from self-stigma and regain my identity. As a compassionate person, even though I work in a laboratory, my true passion lies in directly caring for others and being part of a positive change in their lives.

I never anticipated that later in life, I would face a similar struggle with identity after receiving my HIV diagnosis and experiencing stigma and discrimination.

This passion, alongside my lived experience with HIV and encouragement from my children (whom I must mention), has shaped me into the activist I am today. I now fight against stigma and raise awareness about HIV by advocating as a peer mentor, supporting other women living with HIV, and working as a positive speaker, educating about HIV in high schools, the NHS, and private companies. Additionally, I participate in the BHIVA pregnancy writing group and various conferences.

My journey began with trauma, shame, and fear, but progressed into one of hope, resilience, and determination. After enduring a prolonged period of severe depression and suicidal thoughts, I finally recognized that I was not alone. While confronted with stigma and discrimination, I learned to be brave and challenge these barriers. My faith helped me maintain hope throughout.

With the unwavering support of my family and friends, I found strength within a remarkable HIV community, initially through George House Trust, a local charity for people living with HIV. Following several sessions of therapy and counselling, I was able to detach from the pain that nearly drove me to the edge, and gradually, I began to live again.

Society needs to understand that HIV doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of their sexual orientation, race, age, ethnicity, and more. There are a variety of social determinants and routes of transmission that lead to HIV transmission beyond just sexual transmission. For example, HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusion, mother to child and using contaminated syringes, although due to blood screening and effective treatment HIV transmission can be prevented. 

Ana de Oliveira. Photo: Ingrid Turner Photography

We need more prevention and education campaigns because they are key to eliminating HIV. This includes promoting the use of condoms, PrEP, PEP, and regular testing. It's important to understand that people on effective treatment become undetectable and cannot transmit HIV sexually—a concept known as U=U. Such individuals can live long and happy lives. Additionally, the impact of HIV on mental health needs to be better understood, and more psychological support should be made available.

Accepting my diagnosis and choosing to be visible—living without the fear of judgment and using my story to change the narrative surrounding HIV—is a milestone I am proud of.

Society needs to understand that HIV doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of their sexual orientation, race, age, ethnicity, and more.

What makes me a Disruptor is that I do not accept the labels imposed by others, and I am authentic with my feelings. I could have chosen to keep my diagnosis to myself, as you can't tell that someone is living with HIV just by looking at them. Instead, I decided to be the voice for those who fear speaking up and to educate society about HIV. 

Although there are parts of my story that I still struggle to talk about openly, HIV serves as a reminder that I am Human, I can use my story to Inspire others, and being Visible was the best decision ever.

Ana de Oliveira is a 47-year-old Afro-European woman living in the UK. She is a proud mother of four beautiful children and works as an Associate Practitioner in an NHS microbiology laboratory.