I meet people who say we haven’t been using a condom, how can I tell him to use one now? One who loves their body will protect their body. It’s not about a man, a husband, it’s about self. I’m not saying you have to use a condom all the time just because I have to. What I’m saying is in order to protect yourself, you have to use a condom. I just suggest you choose wisely.

SM: What has been the most challenging thing you’ve faced in speaking out?
Marvelyn: One time I really broke down when I went to speak to a group of high school kids. Before the [host] introduced me he started a conversation about HIV: ‘I know some of you are thinking you can’t relate to this and this has nothing to do with you …’ People were on their cell phones and their PSPs … it was crazy. I felt like that was what I would have done in high school. And when I saw myself in every one of them in there, it scared me … it was like ‘wow, they really don’t have a clue.’ I was trying to talk to them and they were acting just like I used to act. That was the first time I ever cried during a presentation.
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| Truthbetold1 | |
| Marvelyn, I am very proud of you. For you too have the courage that you did when you revealed yourself to the public eye tell us a lot about you, however, I feel that because HIV is such of a deadly thing, it's selfish on your behalf when you choose to sleep with another who's negative. I underthand that you are a victim yourself, but a negative person should be educated on the disease, and you should just walk away because you know better than they do. Men can be so stupid when it comes to sex and a good orgasm, so they really don't think about the after-effects. I had a friend/Trina that died in 2004 and my 2nd cousin died in Sept 2007, so I understand how you feel. If I offend you, I'm sorry, but that's just my opinion. | |
| TinyDancer | |
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I truly feel for Marvelyn. She is a beautiful woman and I applaud her for being so courageous to share her story with everyone. But it makes me so angry that people are still having unprotected sex all the time. Let this be a wake up call that diseases are real and it could happen to you or someone you know. |
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| Maya522 -- Plainfield | |
| I'm so glad that Savvy Miss did this story on Marvelyn Brown. It reinforces the fact that HIV does not discriminate. I think it is great that Marvelyn is so open with her feelings and beliefs and does not define herself based on her HIV status. It is definitely an article that I will share with others. | |
| Carolanne -- Los Angeles | |
| What a powerful story. Hearing about someone like Marvelyn really reminds us that it could happen to anyone. | |
| axcar | |
| I will definitely share this story with my two teenage daughters and their girlfriends who will be entering college. This is something that young people do not think about and it comes with devasting consequences. I appreciate Marvelyn's desire to help others. She is so unselfish and brave. Thanks for the wonderful article Delilah. I am happy to be able to share these stories with my daughters( the story about the young girl who was raped and this story) and hope to possibly save them and their friends from the painful experiences these poor young women had to go through. Thanks again. | |
| Pari-love | |
| "I have a mission; I have a purpose in life." Marvelyn's philosophy on life is definitely inspiring and one to imitate. I admire her for all her courage, because I don't know if I could be as strong. | |
| ucsdgirl | |
| I admire the fact that Marvelyn is optimistic regardless of her situation and does all she can to help others. | |
| asya | |
| Many people are still unaware of the difference between HIV and AIDS and think that both only affect certain groups of people. It was helpful to read this interview in many ways, one of which is that it was a wake-up call to be more careful. | |
| crashing_nightingale | |
| Thanks Marvelyn for being so open and continuing to share your story with others. This is the kind of reality check people need but often forget. | |
| summer | |
| It takes a courageous woman to speak out against HIV. Thanks for sharing your story, Marvelyn. | |