Katie Willingham stands as a dedicated advocate and prominent figure within the HIV and transgender communities. Her journey began with the profound experience of revealing her HIV status—a process marked by an intricate blend of fear and relief. Diagnosed in 2000 and given a mere five years to live, Katie faced a grim prognosis, especially considering her grave condition with PCP pneumonia. Feeling vulnerable, she believed her family deserved to know, even as she thought she was nearing the end.

Katie’s lifelong burden of hiding her transgender identity added another layer to her struggles. Her HIV diagnosis seemed to be the catalyst that would inevitably force her out of the closet, lifting the heavy veil of secrecy that had overshadowed her existence. Within her family, news travelled swiftly, and soon, everyone, from close relatives to distant community members, knew. While her immediate family was accepting and supportive, the broader community was not as kind. Katie lost the support of many friends and church members. Despite intense pressure, her pastor refused to ask her to leave, but many congregants chose to go.

Initially, Katie’s family showed sympathy towards her HIV diagnosis. However, coming out as transgender was a bridge too far for many of them. They could manage the HIV diagnosis, but her gender identity was something they could not accept. Consequently, 95% of her family stopped talking to her.

Katie conformed to others’ expectations throughout her life, hiding her true self out of fear of rejection. When her health declined to a critical point, she had to choose between living authentically or succumbing to despair. Despite losing her family, Katie found happiness and peace in being true to herself. Achieving an undetectable viral load and understanding the U=U (Undetectable equals Untransmittable) principle was liberating. It angered her that this information wasn’t shared earlier—it could have significantly changed her relationships.

Living in Alabama, accessing healthcare as a transgender person is incredibly challenging. The state has not expanded Medicaid, leaving many without insurance. Even those with access struggle to find healthcare providers willing to offer transgender care due to stigma and discrimination. This distrust in the healthcare system, exacerbated by past negative experiences, makes it difficult for many in the transgender community to seek necessary care.

Being a transgender person living with HIV in the South carries a double stigma, making social and healthcare acceptance particularly challenging. However, through advocacy and education, progress is being made. More transgender individuals are coming out and sharing their stories, gradually improving acceptance and understanding in our communities.

Katie’s journey has been one of profound struggle and resilience. Still, through it all, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to advocacy and support for both the HIV and transgender communities. Katie’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity and the enduring strength of the human spirit. She is a member of the Positively Trans steering committee of the Transgender Law Center. She is also affiliated with the Positive Women’s Network USA as co-chair of the PWN Alabama chapter and a member of the Alabama HIV Prevention and Care Planning Committee of the Alabama Department of Public Health. Katie actively blogs for The Well Project and WebMD, using these platforms to share her experiences and educate others about HIV and transgender issues.