10 HIV-Positive LGBT Characters We Love

We often complain that there isn't real visibility in the LGBT community.  Until fairly recently, we didn't always feel that we were represented as a community in the media.  These images seemed exceptionally lacking in television and film. 

When media decided to throw us a bone, it seemed that the characters were all self loathing images of internalized homophobia.  If the characters didn't hate who they were and long to be straight, then they were comic baffoons who exuded every stereotype imaginable.

The Body.Com has compiled a list of 10 characters who failed to succumb to these media pitfalls.  These characters stand out for not only being representative of the LGBT community, but also for being HIV positive characterizations.  Some of the highlights on their list are Angel and Tom Collins from RENT and multiple characters from the groundbreaking QUEER AS FOLK.   The entire list can be viewed here. 

Are there other LGBT characters or HIV positive characters that should have been included?  Who stood out to you?  What characters spoke to you in your own life?  Please share your thoughts in our comments section.