Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina “kat” Newman
Hi Katrina “Kat”, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was diagnosed with HIV 27 years ago. I thought my life was over. I didn’t know where to go and who to turn to. I had a rough time trying to adjust and understand how to live with this virus. 3 years ago a friend that I trusted disclosed my status on a Facebook live and even went in my medical records and posted it on Facebook as a profile picture on page that she made with my name. After contemplating suicide I chose to take that hurt and start educating the community and becoming an advocate. Now I tell my story on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. I am JustKat The Advocate and I am no longer ashamed to say, I have HIV.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has defiantly been a rough road. With the stigma of HIV I’m always feeling as if I’m contagious by people. People make me feel as if I’m not worthy of being loved. It’s sometimes very lonely.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an HIV advocate. My goal is to show people that living with HIV is not as in the past. We can live healthy lives just like everyone else. I use my platforms to tell my story and to encourage others that are struggling with this virus that they are not alone. I offer myself to answer questions and peer counseling if anyone is feeling as if they are at risk.
I’m also employed at CAN community Health as a Ryan White Support Specialist, were I also work with HIV individuals. I’m a member of the Metropolitan Jacksonville Area HIV Health Services Planning Council. A board member of Friends of The Quilt, Inc and the chair of the World AIDS Day Committee PR/ Media.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Jacksonville has been my home for almost 30 years. I love the weather. I love all the food places. I love how big it is. I love the hidden gem locations. Places that you would never know that are there. My dislikes are the HIV rate. The lack of HIV education in the low income areas. The lack of resources for black women.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @justkattheadvocate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ms.Dallas22
