Telling Others You Have HIV

After being diagnosed with HIV, one of the toughest decisions you'll face is who to tell about your status. Friends, family, lovers, coworkers: How do you decide, and what's the best way to break the news?

There is no "right" way to disclose your HIV status. It all depends on the situation and how you get along with the people you're thinking about telling. Check out this list for some excellent information that will help you decide to whom and how and when to tell friends and loved ones that you have HIV.

George Burgess
Diagnosed in April 1995

"I think my dad had the best response when I told him I was HIV positive: 'Son, I love you. We'll get through this.' A soldier, true to his heart. You know, a soldier with compassion: 'We'll get through this, son. What do we need to do?'"

Read more about George or watch a video of him.

Read about how other people disclosed their HIV status.

Wise Words: Guidance on Disclosing Your HIV Status

Preparing to Tell Others You're HIV Positive
Telling others you're HIV positive is not something you rush into. There are important personal steps to take before disclosing your status to others.

Telling Others You're HIV Positive
There are plenty of pros and cons to disclosure. This article provides some general guidelines about specific people you may want to tell.

Disclosure and HIV
Disclosure means telling someone that you are living with HIV (HIV+). Sharing your HIV status can help with the stresses of living with HIV. But whom to tell and how to tell them can be complicated and difficult decisions.

Talking With Your Children About Your HIV Status or Your Children's Status
When thinking about talking to your children about your HIV status -- or their status -- remember what you already know about your family: how your children learn new information, and what feels best for your family. There's no right way, but here are some steps to prepare.

More links:

• To Tell or Not? Disclosure Should Be Made to Measure (From Test Positive Aware Network)
• Sex, Privacy and the Law When You're HIV Positive
• Read more articles about telling others you have HIV