I feel free.

On season eight of Project Runway,

Mondo revealed on national television

for the first time in his life

that he was HIV positive.

The plus signs on these pants
represent his being HIV positive.

Afterward, he said,

over and over,

"I feel good.

I feel free."

It made me cry.

Yes,

I thought.

Saying hard things

that need to be said

is what makes you free,

not hiding behind them

to spare someone the hurt.

On Joy and Sorrow, by Kahlil Gibran