Batwoman

South Africa

My name is Winnie Xinwa. I am 23 years old and I am positively living with HIV. I was born HIV positive. For a long time, I resented my parents and hated myself for being in this situation. I thought it was the end of the world and I’m never gonna live like “normal” people do.

But, what is “normal”, I asked myself. That is when my perspective changed, and I saw things in a positive light. I believe norms are what you make of them, you create your own norms. I am “normal”, living with HIV is my norm, taking treatment is my norm, eating well and taking care of my body is my norm.

However, norms do not define me, HIV does not define me, I’m just living with it… Only a resident in my body.
This is when I decided to become an HIV activist, I created a Facebook account where I shared my story and tried to inspire others, then I created a YouTube channel aimed at educating young people, especially young women about HIV, HIV treatment and HIV prevention.

I also try to inspire people living with HIV on how to live positively with HIV by sharing my life experiences and daily life routines.
I believe we can create a generation of people who do not have HIV stigma and fear. But most importantly, I believe we can create a generation of young people who are HIV free. Now the question is, who am I? ?

I am a young woman positively living with HIV and trying to make a difference in young people’s lives.