The Day I Stopped Being Pretty

Item #: B144

Ever since being diagnosed with HIV, Rodney Lofton has lived under society’s label of being dirty or unclean. But after he woke from a failed suicide attempt, Lofton set out on a journey to overcome the adversity of racism, homophobia, rape, and more to find love, not just from others, but also within himself.

Lofton tells the story of his sexual awakening, a life of low self-esteem compounded by a harsh father and loving mother, who wanted to protect him from the world, physical and emotional abuse, and his eventual diagnosis of HIV. Through it all, Lofton emphasizes his efforts to inform the youth community nationwide on the issues of disclosure and acceptance of HIV and how tragedy can be turned into triumph.

The Day I Stopped Being Pretty provides an insightful, inspiring perspective into the lives of those living with HIV and AIDS. It brings a face to the epidemic and shows the power of love, sorrow, and hope. It is a story of living gay, loving positively, and finding the inner strength to reach out to others despite their rejection and scorn.