These stories were reviewed and approved by a local panel for use in HIV prevention programs conducted in street and community settings. The stories are real and were published with a photo of the role model (or another person from the target population). Role model stories like these may be used as a part of a comprehensive HIV prevention program that includes information about other risk-reduction strategies such as drug treatment and avoidance of high-risk activities.

I'M TAKING IT MORE SERIOUSLY

I like to hang out with my friends. A lot of stuff goes on here. My best friend Dee has been talking to me about AIDS and ways to be safe, like using condoms. I wish I had listened to her two months ago. I used to suggest using condoms, but I wouldn't push it unless the guy was sketchy. Well, the first time I ever had sex with my ex-boyfriend, I wanted to use a condom. He talked me into not using one, and I got herpes.

That's why I'll never have sex without using a condom again. Most people think things like, "It won't happen to me." That's how I was and then I got herpes. Now I'm taking Dee more seriously. She thinks condoms are a really good idea and she's using them all the time. I don't want to catch anything else like AIDS so I'm starting to use them too.

ONE WOMAN ONE MAN

I used to have sex with other women and not tell my girlfriend. Then I started hearing all this stuff about diseases, so now I'm trying to have sex with only one woman and make sure that she only has sex with me. We use condoms cuz it keeps you from getting ill from VD or AIDS or from becoming a dad. If you don't have a condom right there it's real hard to stop and get one so I try to keep them around all the time. I don't mind the way they feel as long as I don't catch anything. I'm glad they invented condoms. Now I don't have to worry as much.

I MET THIS GIRL WHO TESTED POSITIVE

I started my serious drinking when I was 14. I had heard about AIDS and I always meant to use a condom, but sometimes I was so messed up I didn't do it. I'm 19 now and I just got out of treatment. While I was there I met this girl who tested positive for the AIDS virus. She was real cool and she was... you know ... just regular. Before that I thought my girlfriends aren't the type that shoot or sleep around, but then I realized you can't tell.

I use condoms every time now, even if she's beautiful. Back when I was drinking I would do it without one if she was pretty. I've gotten so I can put them on quick , so it's not like it destroys the mood or anything. I'm still a little worried about stuff that happened in the past and I'm thinking about getting tested, but for now I'm just gonna stay safe.