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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Exploitation

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
New Brunswick, NJ

I have a question. If a pharmaceutical company offered you money to do an hiv commercial and compensate you with cash would you do it or would you feel like a sell out.? I would feel like a sell out cause I’m making money off of a disease I don’t like.and don’t get me started on the drug companies using actors who are not hiv positive playing gay men and paying them to push there new drug. Those people are going straight to hell.i could use the money lol but i have morals.

July 14, 2025
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Reactions

Answer Summary

Members had a lively and thoughtful discussion about whether people living with HIV should appear in pharmaceutical commercials, with opinions... Read more

Members had a lively and thoughtful discussion about whether people living with HIV should appear in pharmaceutical commercials, with opinions ranging from enthusiastic support to firm refusal. Several members felt that being compensated for sharing real lived experience is fair, especially since it can help reduce stigma, while others felt strongly that HIV-positive individuals should be prioritized over actors who don't have the disease. A recurring theme was frustration with how these commercials often downplay the seriousness of HIV, paired with deeper concerns about drug pricing and whether profit is prioritized over finding a cure.

A myHIVteam Member

These commercials are helping to remove the stigma associated with having HIV. Keep the commercials on, but stop the drug companies from marking up their prices by over 5,000%. I want the world to see people infected with HIV as normal people. They should stop portraying us as carefree gay men hooking up in bars. HIV is still a serious illness with consequences. Thats the message they should be pushing. I like the one showing a guy putting his canoe in the water and doing something he wouldn't be able to do. Yes I would do a commercial but not one that gives us a negitive stigma to the rest of the world.

July 15, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

I'd do it for the cash. Actors have to eat. I can't see myself buying an outfit, getting my haircut and driving across town for free. When I know the pharmacal company is going to make billions. They aren't passing out biktarvy for free.

July 14, 2025 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

A personal choice yet I’d prefer someone actually living with HIV being utilized and getting paid vs some sexy/good looking actor/actress that may not even be HIV + It’s opportunity to break down the stigma/shame

July 19, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

I love your passion, @A myHIVteam Member. I encourage you to continue to stand in that space. Know this- we believe to understand, not understand to believe

July 15, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

Bren that’s the problem we talk about the good and bad on here. The commercials make it sound like don’t worry if you get HIV it’s one big party. This is one party I want to be disinvited to lol.

July 14, 2025