It can be challenging when someone you care about tells you that they are HIV positive. You might not know how to react or what to say in that moment. You might have fears about their health. However, people living with HIV can live a normal, healthy life as long as they take their HIV medications. Depending on how much you know about HIV, you might also have fears about HIV transmission. It’s important for people to know that HIV is transmitted through sex and sharing needles, and NOT by hugging, kissing, sharing plates, sharing drinks or food, sharing toilets or showers, or living together. It’s very important that when someone you care about discloses that they are living with HIV, that you are supportive and non-stigmatizing, and let them know you are there for them.
Partners of people living with HIV should also know how to react in a respectful, non-stigmatizing way. Partners should also know about preventing HIV transmission by using PrEP or condoms, and by talking with their partners about U=U (undetectable=untransmittable).
This webpage has informative articles, stories, and thoughtful guidance on what to do and what not to do when someone discloses that they are living with HIV. It has videos of doctors talking about how HIV is transmitted, of family members talking about how they support their loved one with HIV and talking with their loved one about what they need.
For Family Members
Family Stigma and How Families Can Support Loved Ones
Thamicha on how stigma can show up and how family members can give support
Reacting to an HIV Disclosure
How you respond when someone tells you their status can have a profound and lasting impact on them
How Can You Help Someone Who Has Been Newly Diagnosed with HIV
How to provide support to someone who’s newly diagnosed, even if you don’t know where to start
Support from a Grandmother Who is Also Living with HIV
Toraje and Cheryl talk about the power of her love and support when he told her he has HIV
Supporting a Family Member Who is Living with HIV
Cheryl offers advice on how to support a family member when they disclose their status and beyond
Support from My Stepmom
Victoria and David Michael talk about how she helped him and his family after his diagnosis
Showing Up for Your Family
Victoria explains how she supports her stepson and sets an example for the entire family
How HIV is and is NOT transmitted
It’s important for people to know how HIV transmitted because there is a lot of misinformation out there
How Parents Can Support Their Child
Victoria offers advice to parents on how they can support their loved ones who are living with HIV
For Friends
Getting Support from a Friend
Less describes fears of disclosing and an affirming reaction from a friend
What If a Friend Tells You That They Have HIV?
Simple things you can do to support someone when they disclose their status
For Partners
Undetectable = Untransmittable
Dr. Jade explains the benefits of having an undetectable status
Supporting a Partner Who is Living with HIV
What you need to know to support a partner living with HIV, and take care of yourself as well
PrEP for HIV Negative Partners
Dr. Jade talks about this highly effective HIV prevention tool
PrEP and PEP for HIV Negative Partners
Get to know these effective, available biomedical prevention methods
