George Hankers writes about his experiences living with HIV on his blog “Still Human,” and after partnering with the social change group Shape History, Hankers conducted the following experiment:
Blindfolded, he held a sign that read “I’M HIV+” and invited people to write messages to him underneath.
Overwhelmingly, the messages were compassionate, loving & positive.
“It gets better, trust me,” someone wrote.
“Kindness can change the world,” said another.
“You are me and I am you.”
Regarding the experiment, Hankers said, “When I was diagnosed with HIV I battled with very low self esteem and I’d been blinded from hope. The sense of unity I had after the experiment was very heartwarming – people would touch my hand or reach out and give me a hug. It made me want to take off the blindfold and not be sheltered from their generosity. It really goes to show that there is more comfort out there for people living with HIV than we initially think.”
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