HELP SOMEONE BY SHARING YOUR STORY

[col2011]

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Hi everyone,

I am currently a student at Columbia Journalism School in New York City, and for the 30th anniversary of AIDS in the U.S., my goal is to write a 7,000-word Romeo-and-Juliet-like story about HIV (similar to a story you might find in the "New Yorker" magazine), using one of you as a character. You all have fascinating experiences that could prevent thousands, if not millions, of young people from getting HIV. I want to put readers in your shoes, take them through your past relationships and to where you are today.

This story will not be boring, dry or science-driven; it will be an accurate, engaging piece of journalism about you. We will work together as a team to help you tell your story.

Please contact me if you would like to participate and meet the following criteria:

-Have some connection to New York City

-Got HIV through sexual intercourse with a partner of the opposite sex

-Know which partner your HIV came from

-Would be willing to be interviewed for about 20 hours over the next month

I would be glad to sit down with you, at a location of your choice, and listen to your story.

If you're interested, please send me a message by Monday, Dec. 6 that says I'm interested,” and I will send you my contact information.

If you're not interested but would still like to help me, please tell me where I might be able to find some HIV-positive people in New York City who are willing to share their stories. Also, I would love to hear any feedback on ways I can improve the story idea or make it more reflective of the HIV/AIDS community.

I appreciate your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Brent