I remember the first time I heard about AIDS. I was about 7 years old and it was making big headlines in the news. In this particular case, a nun had died and they showed her face on the television. I didn't know what AIDS was, but I know that from that moment on the word, disease, sickness was ingrained into my memory.

I didn't know what to make or think when Voodoo told me I had to post something on AIDS/HIV. Then as I went along through the day, thinking, and then reading the other BRL writers' posts, something struck me. I asked myself, "Do I have HIV/AIDS?"

And then reality struck me: I DON'T KNOW. I'VE NEVER BEEN TESTED.

I know I talk and vent about not getting any in awhile, but all of you out there who haven't had a test, go and get one. Universities should have a health center which provides certain care and services for students. I know SFSU has one. Talk to a person there. You may be able to get tested there. Or else they can point you in the direction of a community based health center which does tests.

I for one need to practice what I preach. I was in two monogamous relationships with people who did not have many partners [or so they told me] and intimacy did happen. I have been denying myself truth, and, though I'm pretty sure that I don't have it, you never can tell. I have putting off this test because, like Magic Johnson said when he had his press conference, "If I can contract HIV, then anyone can." Now I'm not one of those idiots out there who believe superstars are immune to 'regular people' diseases, but I have been going along and telling myself that I don't have it without being 100% sure. Which means that all this time I've been one of those idiots who think they can't catch it as well.

It's not the easiest subject to talk about but just think of how it would reach other friends who've never been tested. I am going to look into testing. For real. And when I do, you can be sure that not only will I write about it here, but I'll also tell other friends about it too, hoping that it motivates them to assure their own health. I'll let you guys know.

I haven't had anyone close to me die from AIDS/HIV, but I know many people have, so my prayers and thoughts go to you and your family/friends who you've lost in this lifetime to this horrible thing.

~No Tations~