Is it possible to be thankful to HIV for who you are today?

"...conflict is the primary engine of creativity and innovation. People don't learn by staring into a mirror; people learn by encountering difference."
-- Ronald Heifetz

Absolutely, HIV is another part of who I am and I am proud of all the parts of me – black, gay, male, living with depression & HIV, son, brother and loyal friend. All except being black are things I have to develop, dissect, learn to live in and be comfortable with. Being black is not something I can ever deny, while each of the other parts of me – though I proudly wear them as parts of myself now – each has taken time to mold and fine-tune to a point where I am contented with them being Me!

While HIV is still stigmatized in 2011 each brave soul that stands up and allows the world to see that those of us living with HIV are not that much different – yet each unique – will allow HIV to be the challenge that motivates creativity.