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Have You Found Any Kind Of Discrimination Based On Your HIV Status, Once You Shared Your Status?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

This is a post I posted over a year ago.
Here is a question I posted a year ago. Did your employer want you to do a different job? Did family or friends exclude you from outings (picnics, parties, holiday get-togethers, people not wanting you to do certain things or go to certain places etc.)

February 5, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply personal stories about facing discrimination after disclosing their HIV status, with experiences ranging from being... Read more

Members shared deeply personal stories about facing discrimination after disclosing their HIV status, with experiences ranging from being rejected in dating, denied hugs, verbally attacked in public spaces, having family members disown or threaten them, and encountering fear-based reactions from medical professionals including a dental hygienist in full hazmat gear. Several members described how discrimination has lessened over time, particularly among those living with HIV for 20-30 years, and many now choose selective disclosure, sharing their status only with close friends, partners, or medical providers rather than publicly. A recurring theme was the power of education and openness in combating stigma, with some members finding unexpected acceptance and support after choosing to live openly, while others protect themselves by keeping their status private and confronting ignorance with facts about undetectable viral loads and transmission science.

A myHIVteam Member

My sister found out through a piece of my mail in which had my meds on it and she googled the meds and found out I was positive. She made it seem like I was supose to disclose to her that I had HIV and I explained to her the only people who need to know are doctors , and my sexual partners . But every chance she got she threaten to tell people I had HIV. She even went as far as saying that why i have it and hoped I died . People are fucked up.

February 11, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I have my status on apps, like Grindr. So far, I get fewer responses than before. Some guys don't read my profile, and when I tell them, they just stop talking to me. But for the most part, there are guys that know about HIV and what undetectable means.

Apart from dating/hookup apps, I haven't really experienced discrimination. Family and friends who know my status, are supportive.

Where I do find some problems, and maybe more in the future, is when I have to see other doctors or specialist who aren't my primary care provider, because of some in the medical field suck at empathy and compassion. For example, a nurse for a gastroenterologist I had to see, loudly asked if I had HIV even though in front of her on the computer screen she had my medical history that clearly said I was HIV positive. And I'm planning on seeing a dentist soon since this year I finally have dental insurance. So, hopefully, it goes well.
*Fingers Crossed*

February 7, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

Yes I got treated if not worse disowned by family and friends since I was diagnosed

February 6, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

No because I rarely disclose but a close friend has, usually from gay men! Very sad that they still don’t understand U=U and that they can politely decline rather than being offensive.

February 6, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

My family embraced me and cheer me on as I have proven that my diagnosis didn’t defeat me. At work only my immediate supervisors and school leaders know. Nothing has changed and I work with children. The one request they did have is that I don’t publicly announce it to our families since so many will not have an educated response. I had one relationship with a neg person and I as definitely met with misinformation. I stood my ground and said educate yourself before you meet me otherwise don’t meet me. It took a month but at the end they also embraced me.

February 6, 2019

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