Faces of an Epidemic

Juanita Brown Sims, 42, contracted HIV 14 years ago. She has turned to her faith for support in fighting the disease. (Nikki Kahn/nikki Kahn)

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Nikki Kahn

Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 12, 2008

According to the D.C. Department of Health, women accounted for a third of all newly reported HIV/AIDS cases between 2001 and 2006, with African American women being disproportionately affected. Most of those women were of childbearing age, putting their children at risk. The number of women in the District living with AIDS increased by more than 75 percent in that six-year period. The most common form of transmission for women was heterosexual contact. In the 14 years since she learned she was HIV-positive, Juanita Brown Sims has turned to her faith for support. Sims, 42, shares her poem "Don't Look at My HIV, You Won't See Me" in the hope of giving support to others who have the virus.

What are you looking at

Are you looking at my HIV

If you is you can't see me.

I'm strong, I'm gifted, I'm lovable but most of all I'm free

Don't look at my HIV you won't see me.

I'm funny, I'm smart, I'm a mother of three,

I am wise and I dress to a tee.

So don't look at my HIV you won't see me.

I'm a child of God

I don't have to steal, borrow, beg or rob.

How funny you say you love me

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