Thursday, January 8, 2009

Sex is overrated!

OMG! I need a vacation, a babysitter or a something! I am so sick of every single day being RESPONSIBLE for my little/big baby HIV. That is right I am feed up. But guess what? I get no vacation, I do not get a 10 minute break and no baby sitters allowed. I may be fed up but I have to be responsible. And I thought the worst thing that could happen from unprotected sex was pregnancy. Lol. Wrong Answer. Let me break this down for you. When it comes to getting HIV or becoming pregnant there is only one way to get both and that is SEX. Although the two are COMPLETELY different things the way of getting one or both of them is simple. The difference? No one can babysit HIV for me. I can not put HIV in time out. It doesn't go to school. It will not be able to one day take care of itself not even if it is 18. And when I go on vacation 6 little friends have to follow me (my medicine, BTW did I mention that my medicine come with instructions). The fact that you can catch HIV from sex makes its overrated. Is a night (if you can find someone who is willing and can go all night) of sex worth a lifetime of upset stomachs, diarrhea, nausea, mood swing and headaches that not even Tylenol extra strength rapid release gelcap can help? I think not. And then just imagine if the sex is not even good, like in my case. I got HIV and no climax. No sex is not the only way that you contract HIV, but it is the number 1 mode for transmission. SERIOUSLY, SEX IS OVERRATED! Trust Me! Please!

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are an inspiration to all. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

you are a beautiful person

Jerry said...

Marvelyn:
I just read about you on CNN and then went to your Web site. I applaud your courage for speaking out about this disease.

I'm a heterosexual male, but at 33 I was diagnosed with this disease. Alcohol abuse led me down the path of being promiscuous with other women. Somewhere down this road I contracted the disease.

Since then, I received the help I needed with alcohol abuse. I've been sober for seven years. I also am married to a wonderful woman that I met four years ago.

I keep my disease very private. In fact, I never even told my parents or friends. Only a handful of people know about it ... mainly doctors, my wife and her wonderful mother.

Looking at me, you would never guess in a million years that I had this disease. I feel truly blessed that medications can help fight this disease.

The world is fortunate for people like you who have to courage to tackle this disease in the public eye, and warn teens about the dangers of sexual relations. I know you will save many, many lives from this disease.

Tayo said...

Hi Marvelyn Brown...how are u doing my sister..You have greatness in you ..and I want you to know God loves and cares about you .. I want to encourage you to read the bible every day ..the book of proverbs and the book of John in the new testament is a great read ..

God bless you sis .

Anonymous said...

Wow! You have shown strength and courage that we could all grow from. To use your jourey as an educational resource for others is an amazing acomplishment.

I love the analogy that you have used to convey your message in this post. Sex is overrated and not enough people are willing to say so. Kudos to you for spreading knowledge that is useful to all.

Anonymous said...

May the good lord continue to use you all the time

atoinette said...

wow i couldnt have said it better myself question when are they going to start talking about being a positive mother i know thats not your feild because you dont have any kids (yet)

Diakonos said...

I work in Public Health and part of my job is to tell people that they have been exposed or have contracted HIV. It is one of the most difficult things to do because the majority of the patients I see are minorities. The worst part of my job is the interview (interrogation) to find out who may have exposed them to the virus or who they may have exposed. My job is investigative and not as much counseling. I applaud your work and keep up the good job. As a black male, I try to drive the education home when ever I get a chance. If you ever make it to KC, I'll look you up and possibly set up some engagements for you.

john sanders said...

God Bless You! When ever you are in the Washington DC area, I welcome the opportunity to arrange an engagement for you.

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I'm reading you book to my 10th grade students and their eyes have been opened. Many of them have requested that I schedule an HIV Testing Day during our class period.

Your work is really helping our youth. God is truly using you.

Anonymous said...

I'm reading your book to my 10th grade students and their eyes have been opened. Many of them have requested that I schedule an HIV Testing Day during our class period.

Your work is really helping our youth. God is truly using you.

Anonymous said...

Marvelyn:
I am a 19 yr old heterosexual male that not only believes in monogamous relationships and is in one but I also believe in getting tested at least twice a year. Unfortunately, older people like my mother never seem to understand the purpose of my testing or the fact that you can never be 100% safe. Anything is possible in this world. You are an inspiration to all and I'm sorry I'm missing you as you're speaking right now at my school. God Bless.

Annie said...

Marvelyn,
It has been such a blessing to read your book. I could not put it down, I read it in 1 day. I can truly understand what you have been through because I have a sister that has been HIV positive for over 16 years and I have personally witness the symptoms of the meds and getting up all times of the night to take her to the hospital. You are such a powerful young lady and I am very glad that you spoke up about this disease that has no face, race, gender on who it chooses to try to destroy. May the Lord continue to bless you!

renita said...

Hi Marvelyn,

ANd yes you are truly Marvelous!!
Thank You so very much for allowing yourself to be that reflection we see in ourselves. Lord knows that I have had sex with no condom before too many times.
But thanks to my own family member contracting HIV and looking at you and hearing your story has MADE me LOOK at HIV more personally...So I thank you for your STRENGTH AND COURAGE FOR SPEAKING UP AND OUT ON WOMEN, LOW SELF ESTEEM AND MORE...

renita said...

How Marvelous YOU Are!!
Thank You SO MUCH for allowing women like myself to see a refelection of ourselves in you. Thank You for your COURAGE & STRENGTH to tell your story. WOMEN WOMEN PLEASE.. NO GLOVE, NO LOVE. I FINALLY GET THAT NOW.
...and Yes, Sex is sooooooooooo overarated because most of the time we're seeking the connection of intimacy with another person and if you get to climax, then that is certainly the icing on the cake.

Love Ya Marvelyn,
renita

Anonymous said...

marvelyn brown you are truely a brave woman and an inspiration to other infected persons continue to be a superwoman you should keep us updated about your life

Anonymous said...

Marvelyn i think you are a wonderful,intelligent,beautiful woman keep your head up because you inspire alot of people that are your age like myself it takes alot to have the courage to do the things you've done. P.S. I just finish reading your book and i just wanted you to know "YOU ARE MARVELOUS"

Reginna Archie, Detroit, MI said...

Hello Marvelyn: I honestly didn't know what to say to reading your book. But after reading it in less than 72 hours I can honestly say that you have opened my eyes to the state of mind I was once in and at this time even seeking out to particpate in sharing this education with others. I have a younger brother and 2 god sisters that I worry myself with daily about teaching them about friends, love, trust, sex, and just being their individual self and most importantly loving them! Me being 23 I've always had a huge heart and I think it comes from my passion of people, eventhough I've been through a lot I always feel like there's good in all of us. I would never wish what you have endured on anyone and I thank the heavens above for YOU! Please continue to do what your heart and mind desires being that you have proven "Anything is Possible."

jthorn said...

I just finished reading your book in 24 hours. I admire you so much! You acquired this disease but took responsibile action to help others to deal with not getting HIV or being able to live a better life with HIV. I'm glad that this didnt make you bitter and choose to give up. With all of the knowledge about this disease society is still so judgemental about having this disease. Sex is portrayed through everything we do tv, radio, and magazines, it is everywhere, but when faced with the consequences of what comes along with sex it is if the whole world is against you. Someone dear to me in my life died with HIV and she didn't tell anyone not even her mother or kids. We were just told that she had cancer, because she didnt want to face the trials and tribulations that are associated with having HIV. Thank you so much for your dedication to helping others!!!!!! You are one of God's special sent people to heal others.

Anonymous said...

Peace Marvelyn,
I just read your book it was amazing. I am 40yrs old and in the medical field. I grew up in an inner city and worked at a hospital when I was 19. Not only did I see strangers die from this disease some of the closest people in my life who were near and dear to my heart were ravaged by this disease. It is sad to see that 20yrs ago the informantion we had was the same as it is today. Fortunate enough for me i was working in a hospital and saw with my own eyes what this disease can do and I was able to educate myself. You are an angle for your courage and strength. You are a beautiful woman!!!! Your perspective on life with HIV is Marvelous !!!!!! May you find peace my beautiful child and may you be healthly.

Lyzboy78 said...

Hi Marvelyn!!!! My name is Lyzette Boyce and I'm from Trinidad W.I. (Caribbean). I have just finished reading your book and I decided to immediately check your website and post some love. I want to encourage you with the verse from Phillippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me..."
Don't give, you have your goal and that what God has called you to. I know it is not easy but i will be praying for you. Spread the message because you are giving someone out there who is in need of hope. I am very proud of you. You have encouraged my heart. I work with the youths in my church and within the community that our church is located. It is not an easy task speaking and encouraging youth. Sometimes I want to give up because i put my heart into encouraging them to achieving their life goals, living healthy and holy lives and they do their own thing. I even tell them if they can't abstain protect themselves. Like it or not you have to be real out there. However, i know that i still have to hang around because they still need someone to be there for them.
I lost a student to AIDS. She contracted the disease from her rapist. Her mother didn't show her much attention or support because she was to busy trying to please their stepdad and not meet the needs of her kids. So she turned to the attention of men and boys that she received and they gave her things and that was how she was able to care for herself. In 2005 she died but i was not totally aware of her lifestyle but it broke my heart to know of what she had to endure. She was a beautiful and bright girl. One of my goals will be able to do something in her honour. She was really dear to me. The day that I had planned to visit her at the hospital she had passed away and i cried my heart out. It was too late.
Marvelyn, in all this, I say once again Press. I will be praying for you froma across the seas. Your book is touching lives all across the world. Your message is going forth.

quaneisha said...

marvelyn i have some issues but it has never crossed my mind that i could get pregnant or hiv i have looked up to you since my friend read me the book.i am 14 1995

cassiez22 said...

You are so right.Sex is absolutely overrated.I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Anonymous said...

Inspirational, courageous, selfless and giving are but a few ways to describe such a wonderful person as you! Keep up the good work!

v v said...

You are an awesome woman, Marvelyn! Just read your book "the naked truth". I was struck at how totally honest you were.

Last time I checked (years ago I am ashamed to say, especially because I am a nurse!) I was HIV negative. But after reading your book I will soon be retested.

I am a white (half arab) single woman with 3 kids. All from different men. I came from an affluent Christian background.

I really identified with what you were talking about looking for a man to fill that father-void in your life. I still deal with that now at almost 40 years of age!

The crazy thing was that though my parents have been married for over 50 yrs my dad was rarely home when I was young because he was an evangelist. He didn't really know how to be a good dad either. So I still missed out on the experience of having a functional dad around.

Now my own daughter 19 years old is suffering from that same longing and desire to have a man in her life, because she never knew her dad. She is beautiful but now goes from home to home of her friends living with this homeless, jobless guy she met only a few months ago. She knows I don't like him. I think he just uses her and she'll be devested once hes gone. She uses no protection even though I have talked to her about sex. I pray for her daily. I love her so much much and it breaks my heart. I am putting your book on her bed inhopes she will read it and get a clue.

I am also going to share your book with the nother nurses at the hospital I work at and with any patients diagnosed positive that I come in contact with.

Thanks for your honesty and openess in your book. I hope God sends you a wonderful christian man who is deserving of you one day. If not you are strong and you will be fine. God is the best man you can have. You are a smart and mature woman and already know that.
Bless you girl! Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Marvelyn,

I briefly heard a part of your interview on the radio, here in Detroit, Michigan a few months ago.
My now 16 year old daughter and I are avid readers and she proactively sought out your book. When I read the 'jacket' of your book, I remembered that brief interview I stumbled upon while you were here.
Your story is a moving one, and I appreciate you for sharing it, especially to the youth of today. It was delivered eloquently and without a doubt in a manner that kept both my daughter and my attention from cover to cover. Continue to take care of yourself and spread your message. Thank you for sharing such personal but much needed experience.

R. Andrews

Anonymous said...

Marvelyn,you are one of the most courageous and strongest people i have come accross in my life.I lost my oldest brother to aids and it was tough for my family,but i will continue to educate the women around me about the spread of aids in our communities.I am also explaining to them why women are increasingly catching this disease.As women we have to stick together and educate one another.I will pray for you to continue to be strong and have courage.I have not read your book yet,but i will pisk it up asap,read it and pass it on to my daughter(she is 22 years old).God bless you.

Monica said...

I just saw you speaking on C-Span/Book TV and at the end of your speech you said "Buy a book. I'm not signing "NO" documents, "NO" pictures if you don't buy "NO" book.....Well, I felt like screaming because your grammar is so bad....Sweetie please, if you are going to speak in front of people and be seen on television....please speak correct grammar.....it sounded so bad and it just makes people (intelligent people) not want to hear what to have to say!!!!

Anonymous said...

Marvelyn brwon i just saw your CCN Book TV Reading today also and i wanted you to know that i liked what you said about not taking pictures...most people should have been able to hear and see your sense of humor after watching your book signing. Your laughter is wonderful and your humor is quite infecting... i appreciciate your life story and the fact that you are able to share it in a positive way. So, you go girl.

Anonymous said...

I am watching Marvelyn speak on CPSAN. Nearly in tears I watch this young, beautiful, educated woman speak about her life w/ AIDS. Living w/ a deadly illness and fulfilling a purpose challenges me to get out of my rut. It's been tough but not nearly compared to what Marvelyn is going through everday. I'm inspired and convicted by this young woman. Thank you for sharing your life and heart. Much love and respect to you. Corey

William H. Balzac said...

I watched a re-broadcast last night of your appearance in Nashville [on C-span] I'm looking forward to reading your book.

Just wanted to say hi, and wish you a super Independence Day. You Rock!

`x~William.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marvelyn Brown,i want to say may the good Lord bless and keep you. You are an inspiration to the world. I was just changing the t.v. channels last night and for some strange reason it stopped on Cspan. I am a male 49 years old from Jamaica now living in the U.S.A. who has lost a lot of my friends, both male and female to AIDS. I cried last night not because i wanted to, but because youare so strong. Most of my friends back home were nervous and ashame because they did'nt have the support of most people. Stay strong. There is a fruit name Soursop eat a lot of it, and make juice with it, It can help your immune system.

Anonymous said...

I must say you touched me with your blog. You really made "Sex is overrated" Feel my mind. I'm a lesbian and hiv still poses a risk. But when I was dealing with guys, I made bad decisions with the three guys I was intimate with. I know it only takes one time and a persons whole world changes. It amazes me that its some people who know they have hiv/aids and they spread it without any regard. I just hope that we all start standing up to Hiv/aids.

Anonymous said...

I will be buying ur book soon cuz i wanna read the truth about the knowledge u have in this situation. I am a 24 yr old soon to be 25 yr old woman who is over weight and always been taken advantage of do to me having low esteem. I never been in a true relationship with a man cuz they always played w/ my heart & got what they wanted then they'd leave me & talk about me, and I was dumb enough to fall for their lies cause I wanted to know what it felt like to be loved, but they only were using me for sex. I had 46 sex partners in my life & I have 1 son never had an abortion, but I had chlamydia & gonnorhea once vaginitis 3 times and just found out I have hpv, but I never have symptoms. I get blood tests for HIV, Syphilis & Hep C test every 3 months and it comes up negative but Marvelyn I just need to read ur book cuz I just may get some sense if I see what u went through w/ da virus. God Bless U

Anonymous said...

Hallo Marvelyn
Thank you so much for sharing your story with here in Rwanda and for inspiring us to use our strength no matter how limited to fight this disease, you journey marks the possibility that can result from handwork and determination to curb HIV in the whole world, Africa has been the face of the disease for so long and yes we have wondered about the reason why this is so, its seemed all unfair that we are stuck with it with no way out, With you we realize we are not alone that there are some who are not afraid to fight this fight with us and that yes it can be done, at 25 you have achieve more than most and i believe your life is a gift to the world.Thank you again.Rwanda loved you..