Jessica, 25
What I Want You to Know:
You cannot be certain that someone is HIV positive by the way they look. The only true way to know is by getting tested.
Why I think it's important to challenge HIV/AIDS stereotypes:
It's important to challenge stereotypes because it's impossible to tell if someone is HIV positive based on their appearance. You can't judge a book by its cover! The other issue is that we do not talk about denial as a risk factor for HIV. If you ever thought that HIV couldn't happen to you, you put yourself at risk just by having this mindset. By accepting that it can happen to you and by knowing your status, you can reduce this risk.
How HIV/AIDS has affected my life:
I had an uncle who passed away who was HIV positive.
How I contribute to the fight against HIV:
I contribute by participating in HIV/AIDS walks and marathons they have here in Miami.
