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Still the Same

Stop the stigma and show your support for those living with HIV

For many people living with HIV, one of the hardest parts is being open about their status. In some ways it’s similar to coming out of the closet, as they are afraid how family and loved ones will react.

Still the Same’s aim is to encourage those not living with HIV to show their support for those who are. To let them know they’re still the same person, they can still have the same life, and that you’ll still be there for them. It’s about challenging the stigma associated with HIV and creating a safe and supportive environment.

An undetectable viral load means ZERO chance of transmission.1

Modern medicine has completely changed the lives of those living with HIV, however the stigma that surrounds it still exists. A lot of people are still unaware that someone taking affective ART (antiretroviral treatment)2 can’t pass it on to their partner and can live a normal, healthy life. This message is so important as it could help end the stigma associated with being HIV positive.

1 - https://www.aidsmap.com/news/jul-2018/zero-transmissions-mean-zero-risk-partner-2-study-results-announced
2 - https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/about-hiv/viral-load-and-being-undetectable

All I needed was to know there was one person close to me that I could talk to.

The moment someone is diagnosed with HIV can be incredibly isolating due to the stigma that still exists. They may find themselves without anyone to talk to, afraid of how family and loved ones will react and are forced to work through their emotions alone.

However this doesn’t have to be the case. By showing your support for Still the Same, you are making a statement that you understand the condition and don’t carry the stigma that many others still do. You could be that one person that prevents someone you love from feeling completely alone.

I’m just scared that no one will want to be with me anymore.

Even after coming to terms with their condition, the thought of telling a potential partner can be terrifying. How will they react? Will they understand? Will telling them be the end of that relationship?

By helping to share the facts about living with HIV, Still the Same aims to encourage understanding that healthy relationships can exist regardless of one’s HIV status, and without putting a potential partner at risk.

Share your support. You never know who may see it at just the right time.

Be the person someone can open up to. Simply by sharing the Still the Same emblem or helping to spread the message you show anyone living with HIV that you don’t have any of the stigma they may be fearing, and help prevent them from feeling alone.

Make a difference now.