At the age of 19, Marvelyn Brown found herself in a relationship with a man she called her “Prince Charming.” Though Marvelyn was in what she thought to be a monogamous relationship, she was always adamant about having safe sex. One day Marvelyn and her partner found themselves in a situation where neither of them had any protection on hand. Marvelyn made a decision that would forever change her life. Just one time, Marvelyn thought it would be ok to have unprotected sex. Please read the following exclusive Q&A session with Marvelyn Brown to learn more about her story.
Onetta: How did you discover that you were HIV-Positive?
Marvelyn: I discovered I was HIV-Positive while I was in the hospital for pneumonia. The doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. They ran plenty of tests, but when all was said and done, they determined that I was HIV positive.
Onetta: The partner who you were in a relationship that infected you with HIV; did he know when he was having sex with you that he was HIV-Positive?
Marvelyn: Yes, he knew his status, but he was in denial. He behaved as if the disease did not exist because he thought the doctor was lying. He told me that I made HIV real for him.
Onetta: You were 19 when you became infected with HIV. Sometimes at that age, we feel invincible. How devastating was it for you when learned that you were HIV Positive?
Marvelyn: At first, the diagnosis was not devastating at all because I did not know really understand what HIV was. I’d heard of it, of course, but I felt it wasn’t something that applied in my life at the time. I did feel invincible and that HIV was not concern or issue of mine. That’s why writing THE NAKED TRUTH was so important to me. For anyone out there who holds that same belief, and believe me there are many people who do, I’m living proof that nothing could be farther from the truth.
Onetta: On your blog at www.marvelynbrown.com you wrote, “When I found out I was positive, I went straight basketball mode. GAME TIME. I came up with a strategy. It was simple-- kick HIV’s ass. I did not care if I was the underdog or if HIV was undefeated for 5 years in a row. I knew that if I went in there with a winning attitude, I would come away with the victory. It’s that simple.” How were you able to develop such a winning attitude to help you battle HIV?
Onetta: How did you discover that you were HIV-Positive?
Marvelyn: I discovered I was HIV-Positive while I was in the hospital for pneumonia. The doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. They ran plenty of tests, but when all was said and done, they determined that I was HIV positive.
Onetta: The partner who you were in a relationship that infected you with HIV; did he know when he was having sex with you that he was HIV-Positive?
Marvelyn: Yes, he knew his status, but he was in denial. He behaved as if the disease did not exist because he thought the doctor was lying. He told me that I made HIV real for him.
Onetta: You were 19 when you became infected with HIV. Sometimes at that age, we feel invincible. How devastating was it for you when learned that you were HIV Positive?
Marvelyn: At first, the diagnosis was not devastating at all because I did not know really understand what HIV was. I’d heard of it, of course, but I felt it wasn’t something that applied in my life at the time. I did feel invincible and that HIV was not concern or issue of mine. That’s why writing THE NAKED TRUTH was so important to me. For anyone out there who holds that same belief, and believe me there are many people who do, I’m living proof that nothing could be farther from the truth.
Onetta: On your blog at www.marvelynbrown.com you wrote, “When I found out I was positive, I went straight basketball mode. GAME TIME. I came up with a strategy. It was simple-- kick HIV’s ass. I did not care if I was the underdog or if HIV was undefeated for 5 years in a row. I knew that if I went in there with a winning attitude, I would come away with the victory. It’s that simple.” How were you able to develop such a winning attitude to help you battle HIV?
Marvelyn: I’ve always been a fighter. Despite whatever obstacles, my philosophy has always been to win and succeed. I may not have known how I was going to win, but I knew I had a choice. Go forward or give up. I don’t believe in giving up. So just as I approached the rest of my life, I have tackled HIV with the same gusto. I just simply made a choice to live.
Onetta: Why did you decide to become a HIV activist?
Marvelyn: I decided to become an HIV activist because I met too many people who seemed very much like me before my diagnosis. I was ignorant, naive and vulnerable. I want to be their teacher and inspiration, rather than HIV being the teacher.
Onetta: What is one important thing that you want people to know about HIV/AIDS?
Marvelyn: HIV/AIDS is a human disease and that it can happen to anyone, regardless of social, ethnic, religious or sexual background!
Marvelyn Brown is now 24, and has a new memoir, “The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive” that is currently available in bookstores and at www.amazon.com. “The Naked Truth” is being described as an inspirational memoir that shares how an everyday teen refused to give up on herself, even as others would forsake her. More, it's a cautionary tale that every parent, guidance counselor, and young adult should read. To learn more about Marvelyn Brown, visit www.marvelynbrown.com.
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3 comments:
Wow, this is heavy. Thanks for posting this because a lot of us still do need to be reminded that this disease is very real and can happen to anyone.
Thanks for sharing and educating. Too often in the Black community we want to dismiss or avoid these discussions, this is a reminder to all. Stay encouraged.
This is truly something to think about. Many of us risks our lives but after reading this, I was reminded that I definetly need to think twice.
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