Pos(+)itively Beautiful: A Book of Affirmations, Advice & Advocacy

During the savage early AIDS years, men like Joseph Beam, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs delivered art that chronicled black gay men's existence and experience. The anthologies "In The Life," "Brother To Brother" and the films "Tongues Untied" and "Black Is, Black Ain't" set blueprints for historicizing black gay men including our experience with AIDS. Pos(+)tively Beautiful follows the tradition set by the iconic triumvirate. This collection of inspiring narratives gives us the up close and personal story of today's young black gay men and HIV/AIDS. Its balance of intimate profiles, photo portraits, practical tips, HIV basics, and affirming anecdotes compose a custom made almanac. By speaking out with honesty and integrity, Pos(+)tively Beautiful demonstrates on behalf of HIV positive black gay men that we are here and that we do not have to dwell in shame. This collective disclosure reneges on the contracts we signed with others to set terms for our acceptance, brand us as "sick" or "diseased", offer allowances if we pass, and stipulate our silence. - Craig Washington 2012