I was asked recently what my HIV status was......

I was asked a personal question regarding my HIV status. This question has been posed before. And my answer has always been the same. "Why would you or anyone else take the word of a total stranger with something that can have far reaching consequences in your life?". A person sets them self up to be a victim, without owning the part that they themselves played. By choosing to believe a stranger and then possibly contracting HIV or a slew of other STD's, you are by default putting your life in someone else hands. The one to look at for causing the potential crisis, must first start with you. Most importantly your willingness to give up so much of your personal power. If you wish to know what my status is. I am more than happy to share it with you. I have disclosed hundreds of times in the past and will continue to do so. But it will always come with a cost. You will get my standard message of "why would you put your life in the hands of someone you do not know?". The benefit. I will be more than happy to refer you to any association located in your area and/or strongly suggest you educate yourself and take other peoples word out of the equation all together. I will always take the steps I need to take for my own personal safety and those I chose to interact with. I would expect no less from them or you.