You, Too, Can Be an HIV Advocate!

2. Know Your Rights

Despite major medical advancements, increased awareness and the establishment of specific legal protections for the HIV-positive community during the past 30 years, HIV discrimination is still a problem across the United States. According to Scott Schoettes of Lambda Legal, one of the best ways for people living with HIV to self-advocate is to know your rights and to speak out and take action against those who discriminate.

“The fact is that there is no job that I can think of that a person living with HIV cannot do safely,” explains Schoettes, who defends HIV-positive people in court. So if you’re fired or not hired because of your HIV status—whether you’re a doctor, a food handler or a tattoo artist—know that such actions are not legal.

Under a wide array of laws—including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act and the Affordable Care Act—your rights as an HIV-positive person also extend to housing, medical care, public facilities, education, transportation and more.