So I look like a deaf person?

I had a very interesting discussion with group of deaf friends of my mine. (mostly are classmates of my partner, Bradley also are graduates of 2008 MSSE program from RIT -CONGRATULATIONS!-) Somehow the topic of "looking like a deaf person or look like hearing person" brought up was many people thought that several people in the MSSE programs was hearing while in reality, they are deaf. Many theories was brought up like it was product of oralism or the side effect of being raised in hearing family. 

The most logical theory was that hearing people are accustomed to its surroundings while deaf people are not so they (the deaf people) have to be more alert of what's going on. While those people who many people assumed that they are hearing usually wears assistance devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants. OR they basically ignore their surroundings.  

The most funny thing is that we all basically agreed that many deaf people dress bit differently. 

I am back from my hiatus due to the move and being busy with the work and life. Many things have happened lately. One thing that made me think for while is that two of my friends informed me that they have HIV. Of course, I don't care if they have it or not. But one thing they said that they felt ashamed to tell their deaf friends because they are unsure if the friends will accept them. 

It got me thinking for quite while...

Even if here in Rochester, they are getting one of the best care in the nation but what about the support system? Why would those people fear of being rejected due to the disease that they have which is untreatable? Those is my main two questions that have been in my mind for while also many other questions. 

I in some way, do understand their fears because I had the same kind of fear when I decided to go and get implants. 

BUT, I realized that there is more important things that the deaf community should be concerned about than the issue of cochlear implant. Like better support systems for various needs also educate the people the difference between reality and myths. 

Right now, I am in process of being educated about whole issues related to HIV/AIDS since it's on the rise and affect BOTH homosexuals and heterosexuals. Mostly heterosexuals at this moment...