HIV and AIDS continues to be surrounded by myths and misconceptions that affect the lives of those living with or at risk of the virus.
To help us tackle these misunderstandings and learn how professionals can create safe spaces to discuss sexual health, we sat down with the team at ACON, NSW’s leading HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation.
In this article about HIV stigma and discrimination, the ACON team share their valuable insights on common HIV myths, their impact, and how we as professionals and wider society can work to combat these myths during our work with young people.
ACON: Let’s be real – HIV comes with a lot of baggage. The most common myth? That HIV equals death. Even today, some people still think that if you get HIV, your life is over. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Thanks to modern treatments, HIV is now a manageable condition, like diabetes. People with HIV who are on medication can live long, healthy lives, and if their viral load is undetectable (meaning super low), they can’t pass it on to others. This is what’s known as U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable.
Another big misconception is that only certain people (like gay men) can get HIV. This idea is outdated and harmful. HIV doesn’t care about your sexuality, gender, or background, it’s about behaviour, not identity.
So why do these myths stick around? A lot of it has to do with how HIV was portrayed in the past, especially during the AIDS epidemic of the 80s and 90s. Movies, TV shows, and even public health campaigns back then focused on fear and tragedy.
For example, in Australia, the Grim Reaper campaign was a terrifying ad that linked HIV to death, and that legacy still lingers. Add to that a lack of current education and open conversations about sexual health, and it’s no wonder these myths persist.
ACON: The effects of these myths are huge and deeply personal. For people living with HIV, the stigma can feel isolating. Imagine being scared to tell someone about your health because you’re worried they’ll judge you or reject you. That’s the reality for many people, even though HIV is manageable and not something to fear. This kind of judgement can mess with someone’s mental health and make them feel “less than”.
For people at risk of HIV, these myths can prevent them from getting tested or seeking prevention methods like PrEP (a daily pill that protects against HIV). They might think, “HIV is something that happens to other people,” or they might fear being judged for even bringing it up. This is especially true for young people or those from migrant communities, where the fear of discrimination, or even deportation, can stop them from accessing healthcare.
These misconceptions also delay diagnoses. If someone doesn’t think they’re at risk, they might not get tested, which can lead to worse health outcomes and a higher chance of spreading HIV to others. It’s a vicious cycle, and breaking it starts with better education and more empathy.
ACON: It’s all about creating a space where no question is off-limits. Young people are curious, but they also don’t want to feel judged. Professionals working with them need to be approachable and open, ready to bust myths without making it awkward or overly clinical.
Start by normalising these conversations. Sexual health should be as easy to talk about as mental health or physical fitness. Use simple, relatable language. Don’t throw around terms like “undetectable viral load” without explaining them. If someone doesn’t understand what you’re saying, they’ll tune out.
Also, meet young people where they are. If they ask a bold or even funny question, roll with it. For example, if someone asks, “Can I get pregnant from oral sex?” instead of laughing it off, use that moment to talk about what’s possible and what’s not. When young people feel like their curiosity is taken seriously, they’re more likely to open up and learn.
ACON: First impressions matter, and the environment sets the tone. Imagine walking into a clinic that feels cold and sterile – it’s not exactly inviting. Now imagine a space with soft lighting, comfy chairs, and maybe some fun art or posters on the wall. Which one feels more welcoming? Exactly.
It’s not just about the decor, though. Language is key too. Use words young people understand, and if they’re talking about “hooking up” or “using condoms,” mirror that language. Avoid overly medical terms that might feel alienating, like saying “rectum” instead of “butt”.
Most importantly, be approachable. If someone wants to talk about sex, don’t make them feel embarrassed. Acknowledge that sex is a normal part of life, and make it clear that you’re there to help, not judge. And if you don’t know the answer to something? Be honest but point them to resources, like , where they can get the info, they need. Trust and empathy go a long way.
ACON: Advocacy is like shining a flashlight into a dark room – it helps people see the truth about HIV and clears up the confusion. By spreading awareness about things like U=U and PrEP, advocacy challenges outdated ideas and shows that people living with HIV are just like everyone else.
Professionals can play a big role in this. Start by challenging stigma in your own workplace. If you hear a colleague, make an offhand comment about HIV or someone’s lifestyle, gently correct them. Compassion goes further than confrontation.
Learn how to leave stigma at the door
You can also get involved in broader advocacy efforts. Join or support organisations like Positive Life NSW or ACON, which work tirelessly to educate communities and provide resources. And don’t underestimate the power of your voice – whether it’s sharing accurate info on social media, running workshops, or just having honest conversations, every little bit helps.
Reducing stigma isn’t about being perfect or knowing everything. It’s about being kind, open, and willing to learn. When you approach things with empathy, you create a ripple effect that makes the world a little safer and more understanding for everyone.
ACON: Young people living with HIV often face a unique set of challenges. These include navigating their diagnosis alongside normal life transitions, such as starting a career or building relationships. Stigma can amplify these struggles, making it hard to connect with others or access support.
Professionals can help by offering tailored resources and creating non-judgemental spaces for young people to share their experiences. Peer support programs can also make a big difference, helping young people feel less alone while learning from others who have walked a similar path. Additionally, integrating mental health services with sexual health programs can provide holistic care that addresses both physical and emotional needs.
A huge thanks to the team at ACON for sharing such valuable insights and practical tips. By addressing misconceptions and fostering open, empathetic conversations, we can all play a part in reducing stigma and supporting the health and well-being of people living with or at risk of HIV.
