Relationships and HIV: Don’t dodge cupid’s arrow
Seated couple talking.

Tips for a positive dating life and how to disclose your HIV status to a partner

February – the month of love.

While every successful courtship is built on a foundation of love and trust, if you’re living with HIV, sharing your status with a partner or partners can be challenging and scary.

Whether you’re in a relationship or looking to start one, Take Control HIV has the resources you need.

Single and positive?

There are approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV today and there are countless supportive communities for HIV-positive people.

If you’re looking for love and want to find a relationship where disclosure is made easier, there are dating sites for HIV-positive individuals.

Ready to share your status?

While our understanding of HIV has come a long way, there’s still much stigma and fear surrounding HIV. When you share your status, you can help reduce stigma and fight stereotypes.

Some states require disclosing your sexual status to your partner, so make sure you check with your state’s department of health laws. In Pennsylvania, the law doesn’t require notifying your partner if you’re HIV positive but sharing your status is key in reducing the stigma around HIV.

Follow these tips:

  • Begin with a self-acceptance mentality 

First, talking about being HIV positive is not just about being OK with it, but knowing who you are as a person, your goals and future ambitions. HIV is part of your life that makes you unique, so embrace it. 

  • Research and educate yourself 

Research HIV care and prevention. Treatments like ART or PrEP can help you and your partner live longer and healthier lives. ART therapy is recommended for people living with HIV, as it reduces the amount of HIV in your body, which can help you reach an undetectable status. PrEP is a medication taken to help your partner prevent getting HIV. 

  • Be prepared for anything  

Think about all the potential scenarios and reactions when you disclose your HIV status to your partner. Whatever happens—either good or bad—it’ll be an accomplishment in your HIV journey because you were brave enough to share your story. 

Be optimistic and realistic about the situation and remember you don’t have to apologize for being HIV positive. 

Your partner may have questions or want to educate themselves. Have these resources on hand to share:

If you just found out you’re living with HIV, or need community support, visit TakeControlHIV.com today. 

Your mental health matters!

Your mental health matters!

by | May 1, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Manage your mental health while living with HIV May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental health, like HIV, has a stigma around it which can discourage people from...

How to be an HIV ally

How to be an HIV ally

by | May 1, 2023 | HIV | 0 Comments

The dos and don’ts to creating a safer space for people living with HIV Sharing a positive HIV diagnosis takes incredible courage. People living with HIV need an...

Thinking about getting tested? 4 reasons why you should

by | Apr 28, 2023 | Individual Health | 0 Comments

Why do I need to test for HIV? If you’re sexually active, regular STI testing should be a part of your sexual health. HIV stigma frames HIV testing as shameful but...

How to talk to your parents about HIV testing

How to talk to your parents about HIV testing

by | Apr 7, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – April 10 As we celebrate National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on April 10, it’s important to discuss this generation’s...

Thriving with community

Thriving with community

by | Mar 17, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Tim’m West – Educator, community builder and lifelong HIV advocate “When I tested positive at 26, I didn’t imagine 50. So, turning 50 was a spiritual moment for me. I...

Breaking down barriers: HIV care for trans women

Breaking down barriers: HIV care for trans women

by | Mar 10, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

6 tips to finding a healthcare provider Often excluded or wrongly identified in HIV research, we want to set the stage for transgender women to break down barriers to...

Don’t be risky while getting frisky

Don’t be risky while getting frisky

by | Feb 9, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Five steps for safer sex while HIV+ If you’re HIV positive, you can still have safe sex – it just takes a few precautions. Reduce the risk of transmitting HIV and other...

Lady being diagnosed

Just diagnosed?

by | Feb 9, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Four tips for managing mental health after finding out you’re HIV positive Confusion, anger, depression, and shock are normal emotions to experience following a...

Couple

I’m HIV positive. Now what?

by | Dec 29, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

There's no one-size-fits-all regimen for HIV – know your options Recently diagnosed with HIV? Living with a positive status and interested in changing your treatment...