I had to go to the mall tonight to use a coupon that was
going to expire. I decided that I would wear my “HIV+” shirt to the mall.
I know it is not a whole day, and I feel a little bit of infidelity to
the campaign. Those who are HIV+ do not get to take their “t-shirt” off
and do not get to choose where and when to be +.
I was surprised at the reaction I received. First I
went to the store I had to coupon for. I asked for help finding what I
wanted and was greeted warmly. We had a pleasant conversation. I
asked to try some clothes on and was promptly put in a dressing room. I
had chosen to try on two dresses and was unable to completely zip them.
As I came out of the dressing room unzipped, the same salesperson offered
to zip the dress for me! Not at all the reaction I expected. At another
store, I was treated curtly, by just one salesperson. She quickly walked away
as she said she didn’t have what I had asked for.
I am depressed that so far the strongest reaction I have
seen has come from my own home. I plan to wear it to work tomorrow, so
stay tuned for more.
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