Meet our founder/CEO
Our Founder – Marie Niles
BeeHIV+ was founded by Marie Niles, a resilient Gold Star mother, healthcare worker, author, and advocate living with HIV. After her diagnosis, Marie was determined to use her voice to help others—especially those who often feel left out of the conversation, women and the heterosexual community.
Instead of shrinking, she expanded. She built a foundation rooted in hope, honesty, and love. Marie’s strength and story are woven into every part of BeeHIV+.
“As long as I’m able, I’ll keep giving back. BeeHIV+ isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement.”
— Marie Niles
Why “BeeHIV+”?
The name combines “bee”—symbolizing unity, resilience, and collective purpose—with “HIV+” to honor and uplift those affected by the virus. Bees work together, and so do we. The honey is sweet, but the bee can sting.
Join the Hive
Whether you come to a show, wear our merch, donate, or share a post—you’re part of the hive. And in the hive, we protect each other, we educate each other, and we fight stigma together.