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Blasted Campaign Prevails as HIV-Positive Student Wins Election

Blasted Campaign Prevails as HIV-Positive Student Wins Election

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University of Houston-Downtown Junior Kristopher Sharp didn't let an embarrassing act of vandalism get in his way of winning his student body election.

Two short months ago, Kristopher Sharp, an openly gay, HIV-positive Junior at University of Houston-Downtown, was the victim of a smear campaign during his run for student body vice president. Hundreds of fliers were posted around the campus with the words "Want AIDS? Don't Support the Isaac and Kris Homosexual Agenda," featuring a photo of Sharp with an "x" over him. On the back was a copy of a medical form that included his HIV status.

After the media caught wind of the distasteful act, Sharp was quickly interviewed by national news outlets and featured on an internet meme stating "Stand Strong with Sharp," created by The Stigma Project, that has since gone viral on Facebook, reaching over 125,000 people. A role model to those who face adversity, Sharp and his running mate Isaaz Valdez defeated HIV stigma and discrimination first hand yesterday and won their election. 

The perpetrator has still not been idenitifed, but Sharp has an idea who distributed the fliers and does not plan on pressing charges.

 

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