indyellen | I'm very lucky, really.

I have to say, I'm lucky. To my knowledge, I have not ever known someone who is *either* HIV+ or has died of AIDS. Not personally. However, living where I do in Indiana, I am *very* familiar with the story of Ryan White. I had already graduated by the time he became known, but I know the town he grew up in, and I can imagine what it was like for him trying to go to school there. I've been to his grave. He faced a lot of bigotry (and being ill) with a lot of grace.

If you haven't ever read it (or seen the movie) you should read And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic. Very well written, very scary.

Anyway, I might not know anyone personally, but that doesn't stop me from caring. Or being careful.