[pinkgeek]

From my Facebook page:

Today is World AIDS Day. We remember those we lost, pray for those living with HIV, and we honor those who fight to get us to zero new infections, zero AIDS related deaths and zero stigma. Talk about HIV the way you would talk about anything else. Support decriminalization and don't ever be the person who stands idle when you hear lies or disinformation about HIV. The fight still rages on with the CDC now reporting that young people ages 13 to 24 account for 26 percent of all new HIV infections in America. 1000 young people are infected with HIV every month in America. Get tested, know your status.

There is a cult of shame and "let's not talk about this ever" around any behavior that puts a person at risk for HIV or STI's - the reality is life happens. If you think I've never had a risky sexual encounter because I study health science and work for an HIV/AIDS foundation you are wrong. I'm human, I've been young and dumb, even though I was educated at an early age. Every day is a chance to reduce risky behaviors and no matter how stupid I felt after doing something risky I got tested. There is no shame and no blame in getting tested. If you aren't willing to ask your regular provider look here for a place to get tested. http://hivtest.cdc.gov/