This entry is a part of our World AIDS Day Blogathon.  During this week we share our experiences, stories, and ideas about how HIV affects young people around the world. Join the blogathon .

I am not an avid blogger, but I had to share my World AIDS Day 2009 story with everyone.

Until today I worked at my local grocery store. I decided that today instead of wearing my usual uniform shirt, I was going to wear my "Red ribbons are not enough..." red shirt to honor World AIDS Day. I did not think that this was going to be a problem considering in October my job let us wear pink shirts because of Breast Cancer Awareness month. However when the owner of the store saw me in my shirt, she proceeded to tell me I was not in uniform. Well I said to her "today is World AIDS Day, and I wanted to wear this shirt because HIV issues are important to me". She then told me I had to change and walked away. I did not change, and when she walked away she went to talk to my mother (who is the manager of the deli at the grocery I worked at) about the situation. (side note last time I checked I was 24 years old, why on earth would she go talk to my mother about a situation involving me. I am grown; be woman enough to say what you have to say to me)

Anyway, my mother pointed out others at the store were not in uniform to which the owner responded by saying at least they are in their uniform shirt. She again came talk to me, saying something about how she loves trees and wishes she could wear "I am a tree hugger shirt" everday or something to that nature and that she knows how much this issue means to me, but I still had to be in uniform based on the store's policy and she knew I was going to do what I had to do. Well Jesus took the wheel, and I did. I did not jump stupid and I did not yell, shout or curse. I did not punch her in the face, although I wanted to. I smiled and nodded. I let her say what she had to say. I picked up my things and walked right out of the front door. She made a big scene, a fiasco for nothing because she knew in her heart of hearts, I was not going to change my shirt. And get this! She has a sibling with HIV, but she would not let me wear my shirt at her store to support myself and them.

Today I took a stand on an issue that I care about and do not regret my desicion to walk out. I am actually kind of proud because I kept my cool (those of you who know me well knows that rarely happens). I am living positively +, and HIV awareness and education will always be a passion for me. And if you are passionate about an issue or believe strongly in something, hold on to that passion and those beliefs, and when necessary, take a stand.

Cree