Today is World AIDS day and my 25th year of living with HIV. 

Today is a day to remember the millions of people who have died, to think about how we see HIV and to realize we are affected in some way.

Below are slides from a book I wrote about women and HIV.  I initially wrote the book to break stereotypes. This disease continues to be misunderstood, stigmatized and often filled with judgment and blame.

HIV is a virus, a disease, that is all. Not a curse, a gift, or a punishment. It is preventable. It is not about abstinence, it is about education. It is not about condoms it is about knowledge. For women and men around the world who do not have a choice we need to develop methods of prevention such as vaginal and anal microbisides. And ultimately a cure.

For all of you who do have a choice have great sex, just be safe. There is no orgasm in the world worth this STD.

Best wishes and a special thanks to everyone who continues the work in prevention, research, treatment and education. Without your dedication and continued focus I would not be here today. River Huston