Annette

Hometown:
Brooklyn, NY
Positive Since:
1999
Relationship:
Single
Age: 48

My name is Annette. I was born on October 9, 1963 on a small Island in the West Indies called Barbados. I grew up in a very religious household, my father a preacher, my grandmother a pastor; so as you may guess, I spent most of my childhood in church. In 1976 I came to the United States of America to live with my mother and my four siblings.

I quickly learned the ropes of lying, cheating, stealing and deceitfulness. When I reached a certain age I became very rebellious, not wanting anything to do with the church. I started hanging with the older kids, smoking pot and cutting school. Then came having sex, looking for love, and taking that love in any form necessary. That led me to my first love (a pimp). Soon I was on the streets sleeping with anyone that had the right money. Eventually, I got introduced to harder drugs (cocaine.) I tried it, liked it, and fell in love for a few years. Then I graduated to crack cocaine. Instantly, I knew that I had finally found that one thing that made me feel complete. In the beginning, I enjoyed using the drugs and having fun, but after a while I was no longer having any fun. I was only using and being used, until I became so unmanageable, that I started using my body – only to maintain my crack cocaine habit and compromising my health just to support my addiction.

Eventually, it led to my not using protection during my sexual acts. I slept with everyone who offered money or drugs, not giving any thought to the consequences. I didn't care at all about myself, and wanted to die. This went on for over fifteen years. On September 16, 1999 I was diagnosed HIV positive. Having no information, I thought I was finally going to get my wish and I would surely die, but death was not to be. Eventually I had the courage to ask for help and help I got. I started attending HIV groups (women support) and I started getting information. I got educated and I got some hope. Once I found out that I did not to have to die from this disease, I finally choose to live.