As I reflect on the XVII International AIDS Conference, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. The opportunity to be among passionate young activists, renowned researchers, and those living positively with HIV is extraordinary. The lessons I learned from the youth activists will not soon be forgotten. I learned that with a great deal of hard work and passion, much is accomplished. I learned that none of us should be afraid to speak out.

Now it is my turn to speak. As a young person concerned about the world, I need to share a message of hope. I believe the cure for HIV & AIDS is love. This love is expressed ultimately in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that religious communities (especially Christians, myself included) have often distorted the message that God intended us to bring to all people.

I believe that truth will set us free. The truth that brings freedom: nothing can separate us from God's love. There is no condemnation for those who are with Jesus Christ. God doesn't care if you dress in drag or choose condoms as your form of HIV-protection. But God does care about you. He wants to know you and send his love to you. He wants to heal your heart and set you free from addiction, poverty, and suffering.

God wants to give all of us a life of meaning and purpose. This is the hope for the universe: God is with us. The cure to HIV & AIDS does not lie in drugs, economics, politics, or the wisdom of humanity. The cure is within us. The cure is love.

Love must lead us to action. Each of us is responsible to act on behalf of human beings affected by HIV & AIDS. We must respond with compassion and care for those infected. We must fight injustice, poverty and stigma. We are the youth, and we are the future. It's time for universal action now!