It’s easy to judge people you have not met, and then easier still to swallow the conventional stereotype of the group they supposedly represent. Like same sex attracted folk, people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been stereotyped in ways that potentially increase their social disadvantage, like ‘Gay men living with HIV are promiscuous’ .
If you take the time to listen to the real experiences of PLHIV you will often hear the story of the one time they didn’t use a condom, the one time they where in a vulnerable space. You will hear how a couple fell in love with each other, assumed that each was negative, and trusted that everything would be OK. So, are there promiscuous PLHIV? Yes, however they are very much a minority and are not representative of most PLHIV.
Another stereotype is that PLHIV are mostly gay. At the beginning of the HIV epidemic in WA the vast majority of people affected were gay, however current 2009 information indicates that there are more heterosexual people now acquiring HIV. This confirms the known fact that HIV doesn’t discriminate and is in all communities.
One more negative stereotype is that PLHIV ‘are a burden, get sick, and then die’. This particular stereotype has consequences in terms of how other people perceive PLHIV and how PLHIV also view themselves, and develop their relationships and careers. The truth is we now have very effective and well tolerated anti HIV medication, and most PLHIV now have a life expectancy that is approaching the same length of time as anyone else. PLHIV are active members of our community, some PLHIV have described to me the caring role they play within their own families, in particular with ageing parents or the contribution they make to community organisations. More PLHIV are fully engaged in developing their relationships and careers, and it is less likely now that PLHIV need to have extended breaks or sick leave even when they are newly diagnosed and coming to terms with needing to juggle work and health commitments.
Most of us would like to think of ourselves as free independent thinkers, it is worthwhile exercising this capacity, and exploring and challenging some the outdated stereotypes we maybe holding. One way of challenging negative stereotypes is by attending the WA AIDS Council’s December 1st World AIDS Day event, held at the HIV/AIDS memorial at Robertson Park in Northbridge. The evening event starts at 5.30pm and provides the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the lives of PLHIV and how this community continues to progressively overcome negative stereotypes. As a community minded individual you are invited to join us!
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