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Activist and Survivor of two pandemics, HIV & Covid-19 with Martina Clark
Today I have the beautiful Martina Clark, she is an Author, Activist, Educator, Grateful Aunt, and occasional Singer.
Martina Clark was the first openly HIV-positive person hired to work for UNAIDS in 1996, At the age of 28, the doctors told her she had 5 years to live. Back then we didnt know anything about this epidemic and so many lost their lives either due to shame, lack of knowledge and/or care. We have come a long way today in healthcare for HIV. With nothing to lose, Martina dove headfrist into activism.
Her book, My Unexpected Life: An International Memoir of Two Pandemics, HIV and Covid-19 follows her personal journey both emotional and physical along with her professional career after her diagnosis.
Martina got Covid-19 in early 2020 and it really did a number on her system. She is fighting and thriving throughout that too! She reflects on her long haul bout with the second pandemic (Covid) while also reflecting on her experiences, her full passport all with an in-curable disease.
She is stubborn and determined and an inspiration! While anyone who alone had the initial diagnosis would of just stayed in that diagnosis and wallowed, she got up and lived and lived she has! She subsequently worked for the United Nations system for 20 years, advocating globally for the rights of people living with HIV. Her collaborative work also led to a mandatory HIV In the Workplace program internal to the United Nations system, facilitating platforms for freer dialogue and a more supportive environment for all personnel, including LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized populations. Clark holds a BA in International Relations and an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature. Currently, she is an adjunct for LaGuardia Community College (part of CUNY) where she teaches English 101 and Critical Reading to NYC public high school students earning college credits early.
You can read about her journey here:
https://martina-clark.com/home
Love you!
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By Kellie AnnToday I have the beautiful Martina Clark, she is an Author, Activist, Educator, Grateful Aunt, and occasional Singer.
Martina Clark was the first openly HIV-positive person hired to work for UNAIDS in 1996, At the age of 28, the doctors told her she had 5 years to live. Back then we didnt know anything about this epidemic and so many lost their lives either due to shame, lack of knowledge and/or care. We have come a long way today in healthcare for HIV. With nothing to lose, Martina dove headfrist into activism.
Her book, My Unexpected Life: An International Memoir of Two Pandemics, HIV and Covid-19 follows her personal journey both emotional and physical along with her professional career after her diagnosis.
Martina got Covid-19 in early 2020 and it really did a number on her system. She is fighting and thriving throughout that too! She reflects on her long haul bout with the second pandemic (Covid) while also reflecting on her experiences, her full passport all with an in-curable disease.
She is stubborn and determined and an inspiration! While anyone who alone had the initial diagnosis would of just stayed in that diagnosis and wallowed, she got up and lived and lived she has! She subsequently worked for the United Nations system for 20 years, advocating globally for the rights of people living with HIV. Her collaborative work also led to a mandatory HIV In the Workplace program internal to the United Nations system, facilitating platforms for freer dialogue and a more supportive environment for all personnel, including LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized populations. Clark holds a BA in International Relations and an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature. Currently, she is an adjunct for LaGuardia Community College (part of CUNY) where she teaches English 101 and Critical Reading to NYC public high school students earning college credits early.
You can read about her journey here:
https://martina-clark.com/home
Love you!