Destiny Challenges Norms

I decided to break the norm by wearing the HIV+ tee-shirt that was giving to our class after meeting with Rhea VanBrocklin. I was very nervous putting the shirt on. I did not know what people were going to think about me. I questioned myself if I was doing the right thing by wearing the shirt.  I decided to wear it on Friday. 

On my way to work, I stopped at the gas station. The clerk that was checking me out kept looking at the tee-shirt. When I went to pay for my things, I handed him the money. When he handed me back the change he did everything he could not to touch my hand. I was immediately offended as his eyes followed me out the door and even to my car. 

As I got to work, I walked in and my boss was somewhat uneasy about the idea. I assured him that it was going to be ok. We saw 12 patients in the 4 hours we worked on Friday. One of them, a male, about the age of 42 asked me if I was ok. I told him that I was fine and he asked about my shirt. I told him that I was wearing the shirt to try to prevent stigma when it comes to HIV. I asked him what he would do if someone disclosed that they were HIV+ to him. He said, “As a Christian I would like to think that I would not act any differently because the only thing I’m supposed to do in this life is love, but honestly I don’t know because I have never been put in a situation like that before.” 

I educated him on how hard it was to transmit HIV by talking to someone, or even touching someone like the ass at the gas station. Another patient came in and I could tell that my attire thrilled her. She was a patient that I have known for a while and did not realize that she had worked for the AIDS project of central Iowa. She thanked me and told me, “It really makes a difference to our HIV+ population when caring people like yourself step outside of their comfort zones to confront stigma and change attitudes. I have an even deeper respect for Dr. Meyer for being a part of it by letting you wear the shirt to work in his practice! So cool.” 

I did not realize what a difference I was making. How sad it is that these people are not treated like NORMAL people. I would really like to make a difference in someone lives. This assignment has opened my eyes. Thanks for the opportunity.