Tiffany Quinton is an Activist for HIV/AIDS and has been living with the HIV disease for the past 27 years. For over 10 years she has dedicated herself to spreading hope and awareness for HIV/AIDS and focusing her efforts on charity relief for both causes. She is proving that she refuses to be a statistic, and she has enough to fight for not only herself but for others who are impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well. She opened up to FEMI, and here is what she had to say:
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your testimony.
“I am 53yr old mother of a 27yr old son. That son was 9 months when I was diagnosed. I was dating when I found out. I had just returned to work from maternity leave. The health department called me to say that I had been exposed to an STD. So I went down to get checked and went back after Labor Day. I got the shock of my life when I was told that I was getting ready to die.”
It is clear that you are more than just a survivor. What made you decide to become more than just the fighter that you are, but also an advocate for your cause?
“It’s very clear that I had to fight, my baby was depending on me, and I was depending on me as well. My mom took over and jumped in. My girlfriend was the one that asked me, “How do you want people to help you, and you won’t open your mouth?” 2011 is when I started speaking, and then I started going to Camp with kids that are HIV +.”
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about HIV. Some people still look at the virus as a death sentence. What are some things you’d like to inform those who may not be as educated on the virus as you are?
“Stigma is still attached to the virus. People still look at us as being misfits, because in our black community/household we don’t talk about it. They just want to sweep it under the rug. We need to stop telling our children what it is not, and start telling them what it is.”
If a very wealthy person offered to fund a project for your cause, what would you do given such a great opportunity?
“When and if I get approached by a wealthy person, all the funds will go back into helping “Camp Hope” to help cover things that happen at the camp. Camp Hope is free for the kids, so every dime will help.”
What’s one of your favorite experiences while advocating for your cause?
“When people see me, and they tell me that I don’t look like I have HIV… Because I get up, and I show up. I have HIV, but it doesn’t have me. My Sunshine tribe is everything, and their support is everything.”
If you could describe yourself in five words, what would they be (and why)?
“I bring sunshine and courage. I am confident in who I am, and whose I am. My Courage
comes into play because I can stand boldly and tall, hold my head very high, and be cute while telling my story.”
What are some things you are working on in 2022?
“I really want more people to join me for the Aids Walk. I would like to design new shirts for the walk, and do more speaking engagements if Covid permits.”
You can keep up with Tiffany Quinton and all of her efforts @goteamtiffany on Instagram
Image Credit: Instagram @goteamtiffany
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