A mother’s candid revelation about her HIV journey on social media is shedding light on the stigma associated with the virus and offering hope to others facing similar challenges. Bianca Carolina, diagnosed with HIV in 2019, has taken to TikTok to discuss her experiences and the complexities of motherhood, aiming to foster understanding and support.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Bianca shared that the initial shock of her diagnosis was compounded by a profound sense of isolation. With no personal or online references to guide her, she struggled to envision what life would be like post-diagnosis. “I had no one I could reference… that could give me hope or an idea of what life with HIV looked like,” she recalled, reflecting on her early days of grappling with this new reality.
It was this feeling of loneliness that fueled her decision to share her story publicly on TikTok. In a powerful video, she discussed both living with HIV and raising her children, highlighting her choice to breastfeed her newborn son. Acknowledging the potential backlash for her openness about her status, Bianca felt compelled to act, recalling her own yearning for connection during her dark times: “I figured if I felt that way then, there has to be many people, especially women, who feel that way now.”
The response to her video was significant, igniting an important dialogue. While many viewers expressed gratitude for her honesty, others responded with criticism and fear. Such mixed reactions serve as a stark reminder of the stigma still surrounding HIV. Bianca noted, “Anytime any video goes viral, I receive a mixture of hateful and mean comments and loving and supportive responses.” She believes the negativity often arises from a place of fear and ignorance, echoing the feelings she herself experienced upon receiving her diagnosis.
Bianca’s choice to breastfeed her son was influenced by extensive independent research and the latest guidelines from health authorities. The Centres for Disease Control states that mothers on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) with an undetectable viral load face a transmission risk of less than 1%. Bianca hopes that sharing her own breastfeeding journey will help dispel misconceptions and encourage other mothers living with HIV. “Life doesn’t have to end with an HIV diagnosis,” she emphasised. “You can still find love, get married, and even give birth to beautiful HIV-negative children without fear.”
Motherhood has deeply influenced Bianca’s perspective on her health and advocacy. She believes her experience with HIV has ignited her determination to be a strong advocate for herself and her children. “Living with HIV has shown me just how far I am willing to go for my children,” she said, expressing a desire for future generations to be met with kindness and understanding.
When the weight of public scrutiny becomes overwhelming, Bianca turns to her faith for comfort. She finds solace in prayer and reading scripture. “The only way I know how to deal with both the criticism and support when the days feel extra heavy is by turning to Jesus,” she shared, underscoring her belief in the understanding and support she finds through her faith.
Support from her husband has also been a crucial anchor for Bianca amid public attention. She attributes much of her strength to him, describing him as a grounding force during turbulent times: “Having the support of my incredible husband is so important to me.”
As the discussion around her TikTok video gains momentum, Bianca remains hopeful that it will encourage more compassionate and informed conversations about HIV. Her message to women living with the virus is one of empowerment. “You are more than the worst thing that has happened to you,” she reassured, reminding them of the potential for a fulfilling life ahead. “There is still so much life to be lived and many more chapters to be written.”
Through her actions, Bianca not only advocates for herself but for all women living with HIV, aiming to create a world where understanding and support triumph over stigma.