Behind every infection is a story. It's easy for people to say 'you deserve it' when they don't get to hear the other side behind public perception; how, why - and what you're doing about it. Help us break through the wall of social stigma that prevents open discussion on a 'taboo' topic especially among other youth and the adult view of a youth with an STD. That way, we can encourage those out there who are too afraid to get help or treatment - that they need not be scared, they need not live in the dark of of their condition, in the process possibly fanning the spread of STDs, suffering from ailments in silence because of fear and self-discrimination.

Help us, help you. If you have a story you think would help, and would like to share, e-mail us. Useful things to include to facilitate article writing on our part is give us a basic personal profile of yourself, what you were or are living with, how you get into the affliction, how you or the people around you reacted and of course, how you're coping now.

We look forward to hearing from you!