{"id":500666,"date":"2026-06-15T12:04:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T12:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/500666\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T12:04:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T12:04:08","slug":"i-struggled-to-share-my-hiv-diagnosis-with-my-family-and-friends-for-ten-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/500666\/","title":{"rendered":"‘I struggled to share my HIV diagnosis with my family and friends for ten years’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Poz Vibe Tribe podcast creators Enda McGrattan, also known as drag star Veda Lady, and Robbie Lawlor are highlighting the importance of ending the stigma around HIV<\/a> and AIDS.<\/p>\n

This Irish AIDS Day, Monday, 15 June, the Poz Vibe pod and the HSE are asking<\/a> people to be Ready to Talk and Ready to Listen to the stories of loss around HIV and AIDS <\/a>that may have gone untold because of stigma or shame.<\/p>\n

Veda said that they struggled to share their own diagnosis for a long time. She said: “We want those of us living with HIV<\/a> to be able to continue to accept our status and move forward and thrive without shame or stigma. It is important to try and dismantle the shame of the past by freeing these stories today.<\/p>\n

“My cousin died of AIDS related illness at the age of 18 in 1985, but I wasn\u2019t told that until three years ago at a beloved family member\u2019s funeral. I myself struggled to share my HIV diagnosis<\/a> with my family and friends for ten years. I regret that; it was a mistake. The stigma silenced me when I would have benefited from a hug and sometimes, a shoulder to cry on the most.”<\/p>\n

Robbie said: \u201cOn Irish AIDS Day we think about those who have died and mourn their loss. We also look to the future and how we can honour their memory by trying to achieve our 2030 goals of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and ultimately zero stigma and discrimination.<\/p>\n

“We can only do that by facing up to our history, talking to each other and being ready to listen to stories from the past and present that may surprise us, and inspire us to look at things in a different way.<\/p>\n

\u201cTraditionally, Irish AIDS Day has been a day to remember those who have died from HIV and AIDS. However, historically, the reason that many of these deaths were never spoken about in detail or disclosed due to the shame that was attached to the \u2018killer disease\u2019 as it was then known. Up until the early 90\u2019s, everyone who acquired HIV developed AIDS and died, with a life expectancy for someone living with HIV approximately 12-18 months.\u201d<\/p>\n

HIV FactsHIV, regardless of whether or not a person is on treatment, is not passed on from kissing, or from using the same cups, plates, forks or toilet seats. You can\u2019t get HIV from shaking someone\u2019s hand or giving them a hug.People on effective treatment cannot pass HIV to sexual partners. When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, the viral load is so low that it is not detected in their blood. This is often referred to as ‘undetectable’ equals untransmittable’ (U=U).People living with HIV on effective treatment can have healthy pregnancies and go on to deliver healthy babies without passing on the virus. Effective treatment in pregnancy prevents infection in babies. HIV is not a reason to avoid pregnancy.HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system weakens its ability to fight infection and disease. AIDS describes the group of illnesses that you can get in the late stage of HIV infection. Most people with HIV will not develop AIDS-related illnesses because of the advancements in treatments.With effective treatment, those living with HIV can go on to live a long, and healthy life.<\/p>\n

Professor Fiona Lyons, National Clinical Lead, HSE Sexual Health Programme said; \u201cOn Irish AIDS Day, we pause to remember those we have lost and the stories that may have gone untold.<\/p>\n

“Today, with advancements in medicine, people living with HIV can live long and happy lives. However, this wasn\u2019t always the case. Working together, we can help break the stigma surrounding what was once a much-feared diagnosis. We are asking people to be Ready to Talk and Ready to Listen to those living with HIV.\u201d<\/p>\n

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