A Girl Like Me LIVE

A Girl Like Me Live Episode 42: Episode 42: Managing and Connecting Around Other Health Conditions: What to Learn from HIV

As women age with HIV or grapple with a new HIV diagnosis at any age, overall health matters. Understanding overall health means identifying conditions that can affect how we feel and take care of ourselves. Things like cardiac health, bone density, kidney disease, and diabetes directly impact our health, and women can benefit from understanding the relationship between HIV and co-occurring conditions. In episode 42 of A Girl Like Me LIVE, Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown and our very own community advisory board member Robin Barkins explore various aspects of managing multiple health conditions, practical strategies to reduce contributing factors, and ways we can support each other as a community aging with HIV in a healthy manner. Check it out!

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 41: Exploring Critical Findings from Our Community-Based Survey on Language, Stigma, and Healthcare

In our latest language survey, The Well Project, along with a group of expert advisors, sought to understand the extent to which women and nonbinary adults living with HIV experience stigmatizing language; its impact on the individual; and potential effects on engagement in the healthcare system. On Thursday, March 26, 2026, cohosts Olivia G. Ford and Bridgette Picou, LVN, ACLPN, discussed critical findings from our community-based survey on this crucial topic, recently released in a report titled "Stigmatizing Language in Healthcare Settings: Results from The Well Project's Research Among Women and Nonbinary Adults Living with HIV." They also explored how involving women living with HIV in the development and implementation of community-based research adds to the value of its outcomes. Be sure to check out this lively, interactive conversation about what we learned from our survey!

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 40: Mindfulness as a Tool for Women Living with HIV

On Thursday February 26, 2026, we held the 40th episode of A Girl Like Me LIVE, delving into the transformative practice of mindfulness and its profound impact on women living with and vulnerable to HIV. This episode explored how mindfulness techniques can help women reclaim their power, mitigate stress, and foster a deeper connection with themselves. In an inspiring conversation, Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown and The Well Project community advisory board co-chair Louise Vallace talk about the importance of cultivating a mindful mindset in managing the emotional aspects of living with HIV. You're not going to want to miss this discussion emphasizing the significance of self-care, mental well-being, and community support for women living with HIV. Check it out!

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 39: Societal Expectations of Women Living with HIV

On January 22, 2026, we hosted a transformative episode of A Girl Like Me LIVE, hosted by Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown and community advisory board co-chair Lynette Trawick. In this powerful discussion, we confronted the societal expectation that women must always be the "strong ones," exploring the mental and emotional toll this can place on those managing an HIV diagnosis. In this interactive session, our cohosts shared their personal journeys and strategies for self-care, community connection, and empowerment. By highlighting the often-overlooked emotional experiences of women living with HIV, we explored opportunities for women living with HIV to advocate for their own needs and well-being.

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 38: Symptoms and Sisterhood: Navigating Perimenopause/Menopause Together

On December 17, 2025, we held another interactive live episode of A Girl Like Me LIVE [https://www.thewellproject.org/hiv-information/girl-me-live]. Hosted by Bridgette Picou, LVN, ACLPN, and Dottie Rains-Dowdell, DHSc, the discussion explored the multifaceted journey of perimenopause and menopause for women living with HIV, covering symptom management, healthy coping strategies, and the power of community and storytelling in navigating this transition. We discussed the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies perimenopause, sharing experiences and insights that resonated with many in our community. With an aim to foster a sense of sisterhood, this conversation empowered participants to build their own support networks while addressing the unique challenges they face. Whether you're navigating this transition yourself or simply want to learn more, you're not going to want to miss this episode!