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  1. Health
  2. Sex and sexual health
  3. HIV

HIV

I’ve found out I’m HIV-positive. What do I do now?

I’ve found out I’m HIV-positive. What do I do now?

I have been living with HIV for more than ten years  and you might say I am a bit of an HIV old-timer. Read more

Published: 30th July, 2021

Updated: 30th November, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

A guide to home testing

A guide to home testing

Cuts to sexual health services over the last few years have made it more difficult for people to get seen in a clinic for a check-up, but for many of us, regular testing is now a lot easier with free at home sample kits. Read more

Published: 29th July, 2021

Updated: 26th May, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Notifying my partners

Notifying my partners

For some people, the best way to tell their recent sexual partners that they have tested positive for HIV is by doing so face-to-face or over the phone. Read more

Published: 8th July, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

Unprotected sex

Unprotected sex

There are other ways of reducing the risk of HIV being passed on if you don't use condoms; some of them are more effective than others. Read more

Published: 8th July, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

Symptoms of recent HIV infection

Symptoms of recent HIV infection

Most people experience some symptoms shortly after infection with HIV. Read more

Published: 8th July, 2021

Updated: 30th November, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

How is HIV transmitted?

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is usually transmitted sexually, although it can also be spread by sharing needles or from mother to child. Read more

Published: 8th July, 2021

Updated: 5th December, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

Is he likely to be HIV-positive?

Is he likely to be HIV-positive?

In most cases, when gay men have sex with someone new they will not know their partner's HIV status. Read more

Published: 8th July, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

HIV and STI self-testing

HIV and STI self-testing

Home testing is a way for you to test for HIV and STIs from the comfort of your own home. Most are self-sampling, which you return the products and get your results within a couple of days. Others offer 15 mins results. Read more

Published: 8th July, 2021

Updated: 30th November, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Finding my tribe

Finding my tribe

Going public with my HIV diagnosis, I expected to lose everyone, but the reality couldn’t have been more different. Read more

Published: 9th June, 2021

Updated: 1st December, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Getting tested: How scary is it? (not very)

Getting tested: How scary is it? (not very)

Contributor Hadley Stewart, explains that how his own experiences at GUM clinics haven’t been scary at all. Read more

Published: 8th June, 2021

Updated: 5th February, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

What is serodifferent

What is serodifferent

Serodifferent is also known as serodiscordant. When a couple is serodifferent, this means one person is living with HIV and the other person is HIV-negative. Read more

Published: 8th June, 2021

Updated: 5th December, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

Three reasons to test for HIV

Three reasons to test for HIV

What is your reason for testing for HIV? Maybe it’s habit. Maybe it’s because you did something a little on the ‘riskier’ side. Read more

Published: 7th June, 2021

Updated: 26th May, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis)

PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis)

Post Exposure Prophylaxis, or PEP, is a course of HIV medication which you can take if you have been at risk of HIV infection. Read more

Published: 7th June, 2021

Updated: 9th July, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

Condoms and lube

Condoms and lube

Condoms used with water-based or silicone-based lube are the surest way to protect you or your partner against HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections. Read more

Published: 7th June, 2021

Updated: 9th July, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

What is HIV undetectable? (HIV+U | U=U)

What is HIV undetectable? (HIV+U | U=U)

HIV Undetectable is a term used to describe someone who is living with HIV but on successful and effective treatment. Someone who is HIV Undetectable cannot pass on the virus through sex. Read more

Published: 7th June, 2021

Updated: 30th November, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

HIV testing

HIV testing

Everyone has an HIV status; you are either HIV-negative or HIV-positive. Taking an HIV test won't change your status but it will let you know what it is. Read more

Published: 7th June, 2021

Updated: 26th May, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Free HIV and STI home-testing kit

Free HIV and STI home-testing kit

Find out how and where to get a free HIV and STI home testing kit Read more

Published: 7th June, 2021

Updated: 2nd March, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

PrEP

PrEP

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It's a pill that HIV negative people take to prevent HIV transmission. Read more

Published: 7th June, 2021

Updated: 30th November, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

HIV advice for gay men

HIV advice for gay men

We've all heard the myths! If you're gay men you're bound to become HIV-positive. Right? Wrong! Read more

Published: 5th June, 2021

Updated: 1st December, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Comments: 1

Why should I get tested for HIV?

Why should I get tested for HIV?

No matter the result, getting tested is a win-win. Read more

Published: 28th November, 2019

Updated: 14th April, 2021

Author: Justin Mahboubian-Jones

Smoking and HIV

Smoking and HIV

Smoking can be even more damaging to your health if you are HIV-positive. Read more

Published: 18th June, 2018

Updated: 26th November, 2019

Author: Justin Mahboubian-Jones

HIV and the law

HIV and the law

A number of people in the UK have been prosecuted and jailed for transmitting HIV to their sexual partners. Read more

Published: 19th February, 2017

Updated: 15th January, 2019

Author: Ian Howley

What are HIV and AIDS?

What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system. If it’s untreated, HIV causes so much damage that the body is no longer able to defend itself. Read more

Published: 19th February, 2017

Updated: 3rd December, 2019

Author: Ian Howley

How risky is having sex without condoms?

How risky is having sex without condoms?

Most gay and bisexual men who have HIV caught it from having penetrative sex without a condom. Read more

Published: 26th August, 2016

Updated: 25th September, 2023

Author: Ian Howley

Comments: 9

Six myths about PrEP

Six myths about PrEP

For a drug that’s proven to prevent the transmission of HIV, the topic of PrEP is a divisive one for the gay community. Read more

Published: 4th August, 2016

Updated: 3rd December, 2019

Author: Ian Howley

Comments: 2

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Latest

  • 100 Strong Fundraiser for LGBT HERO

    100 Strong Fundraiser for LGBT HERO

    The 100 Strong Team are taking on a 16 day challenge to raise funds for LGBT HERO.

  • LGBTQ+ HangOuts 16/12/2023 - Winter Self Care

    LGBTQ+ HangOuts 16/12/2023 - Winter Self Care

    LGBTQ+ HangOuts is a Zoom social and support group for LGBTQ+ people to come together and connect with one another in a safe and friendly non-judgmental environment. (1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month - 11 - 12.30pm)

  • World AIDS Day 2023 Fundraiser

    World AIDS Day 2023 Fundraiser

    LGBT HERO is about making connections, whether that's with peers, the community or connecting you to services and support that you want or need. This year we are looking to the future and honouring our past with the legacy of the groundbreaking campaigning of GMFA - Gay Men Fighting AIDS.

  • LGBT HERO launches online shop commemorating GMFA legacy to preserve and promote the fight against HIV and AIDS

    LGBT HERO launches online shop commemorating GMFA legacy to preserve and promote the fight against HIV and AIDS

    The new online shop offers a range of exclusive merchandise featuring vintage GMFA campaigns, allowing supporters to own a piece of HIV history. From stylish t-shirts and cozy hoodies to vibrant mugs, the items showcase the impactful visuals and messages that have defined GMFA's decades-long commitment to sexual health and HIV awareness.

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  • Being non-binary

    Being non-binary

    What does it mean to be non-binary?

  • HIV advice for gay men

    HIV advice for gay men

    We've all heard the myths! If you're gay men you're bound to become HIV-positive. Right? Wrong!

  • Mpox (monkeypox) and what you need to know

    Mpox (monkeypox) and what you need to know

    What is mpox (monkeypox)? What are the symptoms? Can I get the vaccine? Your questions answered.

  • "The Gay Community is Racist"

    The question is: are we really that shocked to learn that Britain’s gay scene is so racist?

  • How risky is having sex without condoms?

    How risky is having sex without condoms?

    Most gay and bisexual men who have HIV caught it from having penetrative sex without a condom.

  • Transgender: Back to Basics

    Transgender: Back to Basics

    Let's get back to basics. Want to know the difference between gender identity and gender expression? Get confused between sex and gender? This page is for you!

  • Safe Sex and STIs - a guide for lesbians

    Safe Sex and STIs - a guide for lesbians

    Think lesbians aren't at risk of STIs? Think again.

  • What is asexuality?

    What is asexuality?

    Understanding asexuality and dispelling the myths and misconceptions about it.

  • What are romantic orientations?

    What are romantic orientations?

    Our crash course on romantic orientations.

  • A modern guy's guide to cruising

    A modern guy's guide to cruising

    Perhaps surprisingly, the proud tradition of cruising is still going strong. Wherever you are in the UK, you’re not going to be too far from a spot where you’ll easily find other men who want to hook up with men. There are plenty of apps and websites dedicated to helping you out if you want to have sex in a public place.

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coming out condoms depression Gareth Johnson Gay sex advice hiv HIV news Ian Howley lgbt mental health sexual health sexuality stis Stuart Haggas suicide Vish

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LGBT HERO is the national health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ people supporting over 100,000 people a month.

LGBT HERO is the trading name of the Health Equality and Rights Organisation.

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