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Growing up in the early 80s and 90s, I knew only the very basic, negative side of HIV and AIDS. I remember hearing the jokes in school, not just about HIV but also about being gay.

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Learning that you’re Poz can be a scary moment, but it isn’t a deathsentence.

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I never thought my eczema could ever become something that was traumatic.

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I remember frantically telling my first graders, “Hold on, Mrs. Campbell needs to turn her microphone and camera off really quick” and I couldn’t even make it to the bathroom. There, in my office, I threw up.

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For seven years, I struggled with ulcerative colitis. It affected every aspect of my life. With colitis, you can have good days and bad days.

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Do you suffer from crippling shyness, obsessive doubts, or feelings of insecurity? What you may not realize is that these fears are almost never based on reality. When you’re anxious, you’re actually fooling yourself, telling yourself things that simply aren’t true.

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I’ve had eczema all my life. I am writing this piece to help educate those without skin conditions on how it can affect sufferers on more than just the surface level.

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Sex: if you have too much of it, you’re a slut, and if you don’t have enough – you’re a prude. You owe it to your partner. Your husband has a right to your body.

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I am vaccinated and got COVID-19.

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Recovery is an inconsistent and isolating experience.