The notion that Haitian people-along with homosexuals, heroin users, and hemophiliacs of the so-called “ 4H Club ”-were more susceptible to HIV/AIDS originated with the CDC in early 1983. When Lopez gave birth to her son, Rondell, in 1987, she overheard medical staff repeating a misconception about the HIV/AIDS risk of Haitians. To learn more about Lorde, watch this short video, listen to this interview about her experiences as a young Black lesbian in 1950s New York City, or read her poetry.
To learn more about Lopez, read this 1996 profile, listen to her discuss life after her HIV diagnosis, or watch her share her story to educate the public.Īs a young bisexual woman, Lopez secretly read Audre Lorde’s book of poems Zami: A New Spelling of My Name. Michelle Lopez and Eric Marcus first met at a 2017 VideoOut storytelling event watch Lopez’s set here. She turned her diagnosis into an opportunity to help others while she fought for her life. Viable treatments were years away, but the undocumented immigrant from Trinidad would not be defeated.
Women can’t get AIDS-or so Michelle Lopez thought until she tested positive for HIV in 1990.
