How to Talk About AIDS in 2025: Language, Advocacy, and Allyship
It’s 2025. We’ve come a long way since the early days of the AIDS epidemic, but that doesn’t mean the work is over. Stigma and misinformation are still alive and well, and the only way to combat them is by talking about AIDS openly and accurately. This isn’t just a public health issue; it’s a human rights issue, a storytelling issue, and most of all, a chance for each of us to be better allies.
First, let’s start by naming it correctly. In 2025, we use terms like “HIV” and “AIDS” with care and precision. HIV is the virus. AIDS is the condition that can develop if HIV goes untreated. When we talk about AIDS, we’re often talking about people living with advanced HIV or those who didn’t have access to early treatment. That distinction matters. Why? Because the way we frame the conversation shapes how people understand the disease—and how they respond to those living with it.
Next, let’s focus on language that empowers. Words have weight. If we use terms like “victim” or “infected,” we reinforce harmful stereotypes. Instead, we can say “living with HIV” or “people with AIDS.” This shift humanizes individuals, making their experiences more relatable and less alien. Remember: we’re not just talking about a disease; we’re talking about real people’s lives, relationships, and dreams.
We also need to get comfortable with the facts. While AIDS is no longer the death sentence it once was, it’s still a serious health issue. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has changed the game, allowing people to live long, healthy lives. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is another vital tool in prevention. By taking this daily medication, individuals at high risk can reduce their chance of acquiring HIV. But access to both treatment and prevention isn’t equal, and some communities—especially Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities—still face significant barriers. Knowing the current stats, treatment advances, and ongoing challenges helps us advocate more effectively and with greater compassion.
Then there’s the power of personal stories. If you’re comfortable and it’s safe for you, share your connection to the topic. Maybe you have a friend who’s thriving with HIV or you’ve seen firsthand how treatment and support can transform lives. Personal narratives break down walls. They remind others that AIDS isn’t just a historical issue—it’s a present reality, impacting people in our own communities.
Campaign Spotlight: Hamilton Public Health Services
We’re thrilled to unveil our latest collaboration with Hamilton Public Health Services! Together, we've crafted a campaign that speaks about empowerment and destigmatization. Our mission? To urge individuals to embrace their sexual health journey without fear or shame.
Each bold visual in the campaign centers around one message:
“Your sexual health is in your hands.”
Whether it’s a grapefruit, a finger through a donut, or a hand holding an eggplant—these images are playful, provocative, and rooted in truth: your choices matter, and you deserve to make them informed, supported, and stigma-free.
Visit www.hamilton.ca/sti to check out your options and access free HIV testing.
Finally, be ready to listen. The AIDS conversation in 2025 isn’t just about what we say; it’s about what we hear. Listen to people living with HIV. Listen to the doctors, activists, and community leaders who’ve been fighting this battle for decades. When we open ourselves to their insights and experiences, we become better advocates, better storytellers, and ultimately, better allies.
Talking about AIDS today means respecting the past, engaging with the present, and committing to a more informed, inclusive future. When we use thoughtful language, embrace personal stories, and stay informed, we contribute to a world where stigma fades and understanding grows. That’s how we keep the conversation going—and keep progress moving forward.
