Telling others about your HIV

January 2010     View PDF     En español

Who to tell

Remember, you don't have to tell everyone, only those who you trust and want or need to tell. Give yourself time to determine who they are and how you want to tell them.

Sometimes it's easier to disclose first to someone who has been through it themselves, like a friend or family member living with HIV or members of a support group or someone who has disclosed another serious illness.

If you don't know anyone like this, or can't get to a support group, calling an HIV hotline and telling an operator you have HIV can break the ice. They're used to these kinds of calls and won't judge you. They might even be willing to work with you — through role-play or just by listening — to help you find the words and courage to tell others.

Weighing pros & cons

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