Patrice

Contact Patrice

When I was growing up, I found it very difficult to ask my mother questions bout personal issues. I was dealing with everything from sexual health issues to eating disorders to sexual identity. Talking about sexual health and sexuality was taboo in my household. In fact, these topics seem to be very taboo within many African American communities, so it was even harder to find the answers that I needed. I am returning for a second year with MySistahs because I wanted to provide information and resources for young women of color seeking answers in a nonjudgmental environment.

I also wanted to reach as many young women of color with information about AIDS, HIV, and STIs. The HIV/AIDS statistics for minority women are devastating. For example in my home state alone, of all the females’ diagnoses with HIV/AIDS virus, approximately 84 percent were African American. It is my life’s mission in 2008 to educate people about prevention and accurate information.

It is not enough to address the health disparities of young women of color without mentioning other interconnected related issues. As young women of color, we face issues as racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia (for LBGTQI sistahs) on a daily basis. It is impossible not to talk about health disparities without referring to these other related issues. I like that MySistahs goes beyond articles and information about reproductive and sexual health concerns and address other areas within the lives of young women of color. As a young, black, lesbian woman, I can definitely identify with the struggle to comfortably function in our society. I want to let other young women of color know that they are not alone and they can find a safe haven with MySistahs.

I am currently a senior at UNC Chapel in North Carolina where I major in sociology with a minor in medical anthropology. I plan to pursue a dual degree in public health and social work in graduate school. I am the chair of a committee providing activities for promoting diversity on all levels including race and sexuality. As a member of Student Global AIDS Coalition, I am always participating in HIV/AIDS related events. I regularly volunteer at free HIV testing events as well. I am also a part of a support group for LGBTIQ-SA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, inter-sex, queer, and straight alliance) people of color on my campus. I look forward to helping you in the best way I can.

Talk to you soon.


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