There are an estimated 50,000 Latinas living with HIV in the United States today. In 2020, there were 5,450 new HIV infections in women. CONFESSIONS is a podcast that follows the lives of 6 women who share their journeys. In 2021, among the 868 transgender people newly diagnosed with HIV in the US 31% (272) were Latina.
Please note that this episode contains explicit language related to sexual abuse and is not appropriate for children.
Welcome to today's podcast episode featuring Mari, a woman who has overcome many obstacles in her life. Mari was born and raised in Echo Park and the San Fernando Valley. She grew up with her dad and brothers, and her mom left when she was only seven years old. Mari quickly learned to become the mom of the house, taking care of her family.
In the 90s, Mari was a troubled youth and was hanging out in a gang at only 12 years old. She was also selling and using weed. She got her GED at 16 years old and was in and out of jail at a very young age. While in jail, Mari had a daughter, which made her realize that she needed to make some changes in her life.
Mari's dad was abusive towards her under the guise of "because I love you." She found solace in being away from home and finding things to do outside the house. She also experienced homelessness at one point in her life.
Mari's life changed dramatically when she found out she was HIV positive while in a state of shock from her dad's passing. Despite all the challenges she faced, Mari found hope and strength in her faith. She is now a case manager, helping others who have been through similar situations as she has.
Mari's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. Her journey has been marked by hardship and difficulties, but she has been able to overcome them and has used her experiences to help others. Thank you for listening to today's podcast episode featuring Mari, a true inspiration.
If you have been a victim of sexual violence, domestic violence, or human trafficking, contact the East Los Angeles Women Center
CRISIS HOTLINE 1-800-585-6231
CONFIDENTIAL BILINGUAL| 24 HOURS 7 DAYS or visit
www.elawc.org for 24/7 chat option
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673
https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Produced by:
Natalie Sanchez
Jazmin Rojano
Elia Silveyra
Los Angeles Family AIDS Network
lafan.org
facebook.com/LAFAN1
Instagram; @lafamilyaidsnetwork
HIV data obtained at cdc.gov/hiv
To find HIV testing, treatment, and other resources visit https://locator.hiv.gov/
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This podcast is brought to you by the Los Angeles Family AIDS Network
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