Each year, Trojan and Durex, two major condom manufacturing companies, emphasize the importance of safer sex through elaborate commercials geared towards Americans purchasing their products. While their efforts to have Americans practice safe sex should be applauded, the lack of African American and Latino representation should raise a red flag from minority consumers.

African Americans and Latinos are sexual beings who should be interested in (or targeted for) practicing sexual safety. And since Black and Brown communities are at a greater risk for contracting HIV, shouldn't we be prioritized in the marketing strategy? If not prioritized, these communities should at the least be included. Yes, I know that's an optimistic thought. But look, they owe us that much considering all the Magnum references made in hip-hop songs -- LOL. Bottom line, these companies know we're purchasing their products and to not include us is unacceptable and highly questionable.

How many times have you sat at home and stumbled across a condom commercial? Did you ever feel compelled to use a condom based on the "European" individuals in the ad? Did the condom ad appeal to your sense of culture, sensuality or sexuality?

It's a warm summer night. A young man sits on the corner of Broadway and 12th Street in downtown Oakland sipping from a bottle of Hennessey. Bored and looking for a sexual fling with no strings attached, the young man dials up The Biosphere, a popular social networking tool that anyone with access to a phone can use to meet people in their area. It's basically a party line for random hookups and one-time sexual encounters.

As soon as he gets through, he hears the disclaimer that The Biosphere is not responsible for any actions or consequences that may result from meeting someone online. An hour later, the young man finds himself in the company of a complete stranger -- names don't matter since they're probably all made up. Besides, the odds are against the two of them making a love connection. Ten minutes in, they're engaged in some extremely risky behavior.

The young man is only 17, a senior in high school, from a good home, and curious about exploring his sexuality.

The stranger, an older gentleman with a major sex addiction, is HIV-positive and currently on a methamphetamine binge. He hasn't slept for days, yet the two find a mutual connection, and within minutes, they are engaging in unprotected sex.

HIVThe day I found out I had AIDS was a nightmare. April 12, 2006.

I'd spent 2 weeks in the hospital waiting to find out why I was constantly getting sick. I was sitting in the hospital room with my mother, a little anxious and very concerned.

My mom told me in an upbeat voice, "Be patient, everything will be just fine."

This day was a happy day for my mom. She had become a U.S. citizen and was now officially living the American Dream. She had good reason to be upbeat. But then her happiness faded when the doctor walked into the room and said, "WE KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE."

I still remember my mom's reaction. She placed a finger to her mouth trying to hint to the doctor not to tell me this way. She wanted me to talk to a therapist first. But she never had a chance to plan it with the doctors beforehand.

I asked him, "what do I have???"

He said, "TU TIENES SIDA" (you have AIDS.)