Online dating is a great way to meet your match. But for many HIV-positive gay men and women, the subject of their illness remains secret. And how do you tell someone you've just met that you're HIV-positive? How do you get to know them if you're afraid of being honest?

These days, there are many sites devoted to people who are HIV positive. The Edge out of Boston names several: "BeOneCity, launched recently in Los Angeles, PositiveSingles, PozitiveLiving, PozMatch.com, PositivePersonals."

The sites take the stigma off the disease and act as forums for information in addition to meeting others. The site BeOneCity is also developing a HIV-positive site that will service the heterosexual community.

I think anytime you eliminate an obstacle to hide behind with online dating, it is a good thing. Honesty and the ability to be yourself is the only true way to find real love.