Growing up, HIV/AIDS carried with it a massive scourge of fear. Suddenly open wounds were frightening, and sex with anyone brought about risk. I missed the entire GRIDS phase, when incomplete science tried to form complete solutions conclusions [whoops! --- ed.]and brought about a backlash against gays across the world.

I think it was one of the biggest embarassments to hit the medical community. I think it was one of the biggest wakeup calls to the rest of the world.

Today HIV still brings about an adverse attitude that tends to be visceral on hearing knowledge that someone you know is infected. Judgment, fear, pity… I’ve learned about AIDS a long time ago. Still, I’ll admit that nothing will prepare me for the day that I find out that I or someone I know has contracted it.

I do believe that education is key in fighting the spread of the disease. Michele has more than enough links for a day’s worth of study.