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    What Happens When An HIV-Positive Man Asks Strangers To Touch Him

    Human kindness is a powerful thing.

    An HIV-positive man named Janne recently stood on the street next to a sign that read, "I'm HIV-positive, touch me," to see if the negative stigma attached to HIV/AIDS still exists. The video isn't in English, but actions speak louder than words.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle Kioski and Janne collaborated to make a video that truly reflected HIV awareness and Pride Week in Helsinki.

    In the experiment, the Finland native stood with his eyes closed and arms out next to the signs, and waited.

    Yle Kioski

    At first, many onlookers shook their heads and chose not touch him.

    Yle Kioski

    As time went by, people slowly began to give him a handshake or pat him on the shoulder.

    Yle Kioski

    Then, something amazing happened: Everyone gave him one bear hug after the other, including little kids.

    Yle Kioski

    Needless to say, the kindness and acceptance of strangers brought him to tears.

    Yle Kioski

    YES! 😭

    You can learn more about Janne's story here, and the moves Yle Kioski is making to dispel stigmas associated with the disease.

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