Seeing HIV Differently

Let’s talk about HIV.

What is it?
HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, often without symptoms for years. Early signs can be flu-like, but many people don’t notice anything at all. Without treatment, it can progress to AIDS, a severe stage of immune suppression. With modern treatment, HIV becomes a manageable condition. People with consistent care can live long, healthy lives, often with an undetectable viral load—meaning they cannot transmit the virus. The prognosis today is hopeful.

Can we just start with the agreement that…

HIV is not a death sentence.

On Friday, my school provided free HIV testing to students.

It had been a while since I had my status checked, so I went.

There was a discussion workshop to be held after, and I thought of going to hear stories from people who were living with HIV (PLWHA)

In the past, I’ve listened to a couple of podcasts about people sharing their struggles.

This time, I wanted to sit in the room with real voices and real stories.

And I’m glad I went cause it was definitely an eye-opening event.

Some ethnical questions were asked, some personal, and I’ll highlight just two that stood out for me.

How would you react if you found out your friend had HIV?

How would you react if the person you were seeing turned out to be HIV?

Take a minute to think of your answer.

The 2nd question in particular came in several forms.

Let’s say, the person had it and never told you?

Or perhaps the person wasn’t aware and eventually knew?

Or even perhaps the person infected you before you all became a ‘thing.’

It was tweaked enough to justify the same reaction, which is to leave the relationship.

But why?

For a condition that has advanced and highly effective treatment, why the stigma?

This same stigma weighs on the mental health we so speak of and advocate for, whereas subconsciously we silently judge.

We subtly single ourselves out.

We make side remarks, even while saying.

‘’We’re here for you.’’

It’s not enough to say it.

Support isn’t a slogan, it’s a choice.

Let’s choose a stand and consciously stand on it.

Yes, people often respond with fear and judgment at first.

Imagining how one led their lives or what decisions and circumstances they may have faced to this point of reality, where the trajectory of their lives has changed based on a test result.

But what do you think?

Because we start with you and me

With the knowledge of HIV, you can understand that it’s mostly asymptomatic.

Some people may never know till they meet their death.

People have pasts, struggles, and private battles we may never fully understand.

It’s not our place too.

We don’t have to fully understand to fully show genuine support.

Health is only one factor that makes up our entirety.

That you are free from health issues today doesn’t mean you won’t face any tomorrow.

That you are alive today doesn’t make tomorrow a guarantee.

Life will forever be fragile.

Again, let’s choose a stand and consciously stand on it with intention.

Let’s stand with love.

With Kindness.

With acceptance.

HIV is not a death sentence.

At the end of the day, this world is not our own.