sex Safe sex & stis Disclosure & Relationships HIV & the law getting support contacts
“The idea of sitting around in a group with other positive men was terrifying. But I finally relented under pressure from my friends. The group spent a lot of time talking about sex. It gave me the confidence to disclose my HIV status in sexual situations and realise that any demonstration of bad attitudes was their problem and I probably didn’t want to ever know them, let alone have sex with them, anyway.”

“When I first discovered I had HIV, I told a few close friends, including one who was also positive, which helped. The best advice he gave me was to think carefully before letting anyone know, until I was comfortable with the idea, as it’s impossible to ‘untell’ someone once they know. Although I told a couple of family members who I’m really close to, I decided against telling Mum, as I felt I’d end up having to support her when I needed all my energy to focus on myself at the time.”
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Getting Support

Many positive men and many of their negative partners have found that talking with others is a great way of getting support. The secret is finding the right support for you.

In this section we review some support options, and in our Contacts section you will find details of community-based HIV organisations in your State or Territory. Community-based HIV organisations offer a range of support services, and will be able to refer you to other specialised support services.

Friends and Family

Many of us find that those closest to us are the most useful and supportive people to talk with about personal issues. But keep in mind that if you disclose they may need time to come to terms with the information. Often, the closer someone is to us, the more affected they will be by our news. You may find yourself supporting them for a while. Also, you may need to consider that your friends and family are not bound by confidentiality and may find the need to talk about your status with others.


Other People In The Same Situation

Peers are often the best people to talk to because they have a personal understanding. Look around you for positive friends or their negative partners. AIDS councils or PLHIV organisations usually have peer workers who can talk to you or guide you into support groups.


Counsellors

Many gay men with HIV have found counsellors very useful. Most HIV or sexual health services can refer you to specialised counsellors. You may need to shop around to find a counsellor that meets your needs. Counselling can be short-term and deal with a particular problem, or can be ongoing and deal with a number of issues.


Healthcare Practitioners

Good health care practitioners can be a significant source of support for gay men with HIV. Your doctor should be able to give you information about having sex when you are HIV positive.


Services For Other Particular Needs

There are specific services for areas like community care, mental health, drug use issues, and financial support and so on. Many people with HIV have found these very useful. A good social worker or your local AIDS Council should be able to tell you how to access these services if you need them.



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