You don't have to tell anyone your HIV status. You may want to share with only those who you trust and feel safe with. You should share with your health care provider about your status so that you will get the health care you will need. Also, tell your sex partner(s) and this will help reduce the risks of spreading HIV further and help your partner(s) get the right health care too.

Telling others you're living with HIV status can be scary, painful and hard. In the long run, it's usually not as hard as the heavy burden of secrecy. While there is no one best way, there are a few things that you should think about in advance that might help.

Should I or Shouldn't I?

Common reasons why some people choose not to tell is because sometimes others may find it hard to accept your HIV status; some may even be prejudiced against you because of it. Prejudice within one's family or friends can really hurt.

Sometimes by sharing your status, it can feel empowering and can foster a new sense of closeness among friends, family, and loved ones. Don't hide your HIV status from doctors or other healthcare providers. By telling your health care professional about your status, they can help get the best care available to you. Telling others can help reduce the risk of spreading HIV.

Who Do I Tell?

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

Sometimes it's easiest to first disclose to someone who has been through it themselves, like a friend or family member living with HIV, or a member of a support group. If you don't know anyone living with HIV, or don't have access to a support group, calling an HIV hotline or speaking with your case manager can help. They won't judge you; they will understand. Your case manager would be able to work with you to help you find the resources, or language and courage to tell others.