Coincidence or Divine Intervention: Karla Quezada-Torres Shares Her Story

I was born in El Salvador and brought to Los Angeles, CA, at the age of three, due to the violence and war happening in the country. Being raised in South LA in low-income neighbourhoods, high crime rates, and health disparities affecting our black and brown communities made me realise that I wanted to make a difference. I volunteered at LA County Hospital in the mid-'90s and noticed how people living with HIV were mistreated by staff, friends and family. Since then, I have decided and committed to supporting and advocating with and for people living with HIV because I care (a simple but true answer)!  

I moved to San Diego to attend San Diego State University and pursued my dream of making a difference in the health field. I met my now husband, and together we have a beautiful family with six kids. Early in our relationship, my husband shared with me the horrible story of his brother-in-law, four-year-old nephew, and then his sister passing away of “cancer” all within three years - their youngest child of almost two years old was well and thriving, and the care of the family. I didn’t think much about this cancer that would take three out of four family members - until years later. My husband was only 11 years old when his four-year-old nephew died in his arms on day one of arriving from Mexico to the USA. The trauma, guilt and pain are very much alive today!  

Who would have thought that a few years later, he would meet a person who was seeking an opportunity to work in public health and support people living with HIV? Coincidence or divine intervention? 

I graduated college and started working in an HIV behavioural surveillance study in 2004. It took 5 years of me working and advocating for people living with HIV, for my husband to share with me the truth of how his brother-in-law had HIV and then passed it on to his wife and unborn child. His family has yet to have conversations about what happened to their daughter, as stigma is very much real. I took this as a stronger sign that it was my responsibility to look at my privileges, activate my power, and make a difference for people who, due to fear, stigma, shame and pain, cannot advocate for themselves. 

We need more allies! Allies that choose this journey must clearly know this is not a way to seek personal gain or recognition. This is not about you! It is a path that carries a lot of responsibility because, on your shoulders, you will carry the tears, stories, pain and successes of people living with HIV, and other affected individuals. My husband couldn’t share his pain through words until three years ago. I have become that voice for him, his nephew and most importantly, for the members who are no longer with us. We fight stigma together by being present, educating, empowering, attending community engagement events, joining planning groups/councils, and engaging our kids in our life purpose. We do this with love, respect, compassion, and commitment! Join us and be that ally that we need in the world!

Commit this World AIDS Day to be an ally.