Tags: osisa

Because she chooses to fight for the rights of those living with HIV and AIDS, Yananiso has been harrassed, beaten, and robbed. In her story, Yananiso tells how her husband's death inspired her to her current work in spite of the many obstacles in her way. Her story is one of resistance.

When Tuelo was young, she liked to have a lot of fun. After dating a few men, she finds out that she is HIV positive. Now, at 33, Tuelo says she has found the love she was searching for before. In her story, she has a message for young women: "Wait! Find a man who loves and who commits to you. Take care. Watch out."

Sibongile shares her story of what she and her children go through after her husband died. Inheritance laws in Swaziland exclude women, and Sibongile's story addresses this inequity. She says, "I want to counsel HIV+ women like me. This is in my heart."

Shirley shares her experience and treatment as a deaf woman after being sexually assaulted by friends that she trusted. This story was created in a CDS workshop organized by the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa.

Sediapelo tells her story of frustration and self-doubt after finding out she's HIV positive, and the realization she makes that gives her life a new direction.

Paul relates his experiences as a gay man in South Africa, including early trips to segregated gay bars, unity among groups of friends, and the first pride march in Johannesburg. He also talks about how stigma and silence contributed to the spread of HIV through the gay community.

When Makoti discovers his HIV positive status he feels confused, since he knows he has always practiced safe sex. Then he remembers an incident of sexual abuse when he was younger. Makoti's story shows his strength through hardships and his dedication to ending hate and discrimination.

Mabvuto tells his story of losing both his parents to AIDS, and how he and his siblings have faced many hardships as orphans. He wonders if he can be seen as more than just an AIDS orphan.

Lucia loses her husband and then her daughter to AIDS. When her husband dies, her inlaws try to take away her home and all her possessions, and remarry her to her brother-in-law, according to Shona tradition. When her daughter falls ill no one offers to help her care for her. Eventually Lucia finds solace and hope in her church activities, where she counsels others in her same situation.