“Being a plus sized woman, I have already struggled with loving myself. When I found out I had contracted HSV2 (genital herpes) I felt as I was even more worthless. Just as I was becoming confident in my own skin I found out. My first thought was “Great, now I’m fat and now I have herpes.” I felt worthless. I went back into the cycle of staring into the mirror picking myself apart. How could somebody loved me if I was damaged? Why would anybody want me? I’ve now learned to love myself and not to stigmatize myself. I may be flawed but I am still worthy of a great life. This diagnoses has changed my life. I call it a blessing in disguise because I have learned how to love myself and respect myself no matter what. I am not herpes. I am Jesse.”