So, dating as an HIV-positive person can be tricky at times. It’s a hurdle many of us have to face sooner or later, and it’s especially challenging when living with the virus.
However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any good dating opportunities for you. On the contrary: The right dating app is the perfect solution for people living with HIV and a great way for you to meet new people in your area who are also dealing with the same challenges. After all, we are social beings, and being alone is not helpful or healthy!
This article contains useful information about different HIV support groups Atlanta for people living with HIV in Atlanta, tips for dating HIV, and information on how to find those who are interested in meeting new friends and partners who understand what it means to be HIV positive.
Tips for Dating with HIV
- Before you find yourself in a sexual scenario, think about having “the conversation.”
- When both of you are sober, tell the other.
- Read up on U=U, safer sex, HIV transmission, therapy as prevention, and HIV (no chance of transmitting HIV if you are on treatment and your viral load is undetectable). You’ll find it simpler to communicate about having HIV as a result.
- If you date an HIV-positive individual, try not to devote all of your time to them at the expense of your own needs.
- Consider disclosing in a public setting or the presence of a buddy if you are worried about an extremely hostile or potentially violent response. Also, ask yourself if you truly want to be with someone who might behave in such a manner.
- Ask others who have done this before for advice. Attend a support group for female HIV-positives and ask other members how they handle dating and disclosure.
- Keep in mind that finding the proper partner for you is the goal of dating. Dating almost usually involves some rejection, whether or not you have HIV, so it’s crucial to be ready for that. Nearly everyone goes through several dating “trial runs” before meeting their true love!
Some HIV Support Groups Atlanta are mentioned below:
Aniz.org
Aniz Inc. supports the HIV community through six primaries and creative activities, including intervention, collaboration, counseling, research, and education. The following ways aniz helped the community in 2016:
1. Providing HIV testing to people that are at risk for the virus, as well as conducting referrals for STIs. Over 1,100 at-risk patients may have been tested by aniz in the course of the year.
2. Data for meetings of psychosocial groups are explored. The meetings were held three times every month to give people knowledge, motivation, and skills.
3. Study of data patterns in psychosocial support groups.
4. About 500 people with HIV who wanted to improve their mental health and were concerned about substance use received personalized mental health and substance use counseling.
5. The organization can inform target people about the dangers of contracting HIV/aids through working with others (who). The group allows individuals to confront secrecy, shame, and guilt while promoting safer sex practices, sexual wellness, and good relationships.
6. To fill in the gaps in the literature on lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health access and to help train medical personnel and establish best practices for medical practices to deliver more culturally competent care, aniz performed community research studies.
Erc-inc.org
When its founder, Jacqueline Brown, became discouraged by the reality that African American women who had recently contracted HIV were getting younger at an increasingly alarming rate, ERC was born.
The formation was brought on by this and the community leaders’ approval and hesitation to accept the status quo. ERC started by offering HIV information seminars, testing, counseling, and referral services.
Hundreds of Atlantans took part in the inaugural Take Charge event of the 2008 ERC. Food, entertainment, and celebrations at the Get Tested.TM Health Fair event. Volunteers and community partners were on hand to offer discreet HIV testing. Free quick HIV testing and counseling regarding harm reduction were provided to 264 individuals.
THRIVE SS
Of all groups in the United States, black men who identify as gay or bisexual face the highest risk of developing HIV. Many local and state health officials still do not fully address these males’ interconnected vulnerabilities, such as homophobia, stigma, poverty, and unequal access to healthcare.
For this reason, groups like THRIVE SS, started by three Black men in 2015, are still essential to this marginalized community. Since its inception, THRIVE SS has increased from 45 men in Atlanta, Georgia, to over 3,500 in regional chapters throughout the United States3.
The organization’s services primarily focus on live support groups, including BYOB brunches and potlucks hosted by local chapters. There are online peer support events and live-streamed webinars for individuals unable to attend in-person events.
The “Judy Support” concept, which refers to cultural self-acceptance and the rejection of homophobia and racism, is the foundation of the THRIVE SS support program.
Sisterlove.org
Through training, technical help from reputable South African aid groups, and resource development for hiv+ women and those battling the impacts of HIV/aids in South Africa and around the world, sisterlove.org’s international program works to reduce the impact of HIV/aids.
Health education, advocacy, and prevention program are one of the programs. Through events like seminars, talks, and training throughout the metro Atlanta area and worldwide, health education is provided to the general public about HIV/AIDS and related health issues.
Is an online HIV support group helpful for me?
HIV support groups Atlanta work to remove the many obstacles that prevent patients from receiving care and treatment or from taking their drugs as prescribed and providing comfort. These difficulties may include emotional issues such as depression or the fear of abandonment and structural issues such as obtaining affordable treatment, care, or housing. 
