Would you hesitate to date a person living with HIV? Update your knowledge!

The persistence of serophobia

In an era of scientific progress and social change, it is astonishing to see that prejudices surrounding HIV still persist. Serophobia—that is, the fear and stereotypes towards people living with HIV—continues to deeply affect those who are impacted. People with an undetectable viral load represent the vast majority of people living with HIV today.

People who reject or hesitate to date a person living with HIV are giving up on potentially enriching encounters and meaningful relationships.

Scientific advances: U=U

HIV is no longer the fatal disease it once was, but the stigma associated with it continues to weigh heavily on the lives of people living with HIV. Studies conducted on thousands of serodifferent couples (one HIV-positive partner and one HIV-negative partner) have confirmed that "U=U" (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Together, we can fight against serophobia and build a more inclusive and supportive community.

Confirmation from global organizations

When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit HIV to a partner, even during sex without a condom. This scientific data is indisputable and has been corroborated by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Our commitment in the Montreal Village

As a pharmacy committed to Montreal's Inclusive Village, we want to help set the record straight on the medical advances concerning HIV. The more people become familiar with U=U, the more people living with HIV can enjoy a better quality of life, free from stigma.

Information and resources available

If you would like to know more about HIV, the available treatments and resources, PrEP, or any other topic related to sexual health, do not hesitate to come see us. Our team of healthcare professionals is at your disposal to offer you reliable, confidential, and caring information.

For those wishing to deepen their knowledge on the latest advances, here are a few reliable Quebecois and Canadian web resources:

Zerotransmission.org, by the Coalition des organismes communautaires québécois de lutte contre le sida (COCQ-SIDA).
CATIE (The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange): This is one of the main sources of information on HIV and hepatitis C in Canada.
Health Canada fact sheet, a Canadian resource site on HIV transmission.