Janne (pictured above) is from Finland and is HIV-Positive. AIDS is an incurable disease and many people have a phobia to individuals with that condition. So, Janne conducted an experiment. He stood in a public space with a sign which said “I am HIV-Positive. Touch me.”

Passers by will see the sign and him, but still do not attempt to touch him freely.

Finally, someone holds out their hand and shakes Janne’s hand!

This woman also touched him and gave him a smile.

Someone who touched him remained and stood next to while still holding his hand. Janne looks very happy at this moment!

So many people avoided trying to touch him and it brought Janne to tears at times. I think that what he did was very courageous in trying the bridge the huge misunderstanding that many people have towards AIDS and people who are HIV-Positive even today. The video of this experiment is posted on Youtube, please take a look!

See Video Here

Insufficient knowledge and fear still impact people who are HIV-Positive. Education and awareness should make people realize that having this condition should not mean that they are discriminated against in society.