People living with HIV have clear legal protections. Under the Equality Act 2010, HIV is recognised as a disability from the point of diagnosis, protecting people from discrimination and harassment.
But legal protection only makes a difference when people know about their rights, understand what they mean, and feel safe using them. Our new report, Protected on Paper: Exploring HIV, legal rights and the gap between law and lived experience, shows that this is not yet the reality for too many people living with HIV.
The report draws on an online survey of 185 people living with HIV across the UK, alongside a discussion group with eight people. It explores people’s knowledge of their rights, their experiences of discrimination and the barriers they face when trying to challenge unfair treatment.
As the UK works towards ending new HIV transmissions by 2030, tackling stigma and discrimination must be part of that effort. People living with HIV should not be protected only on paper. They should be able to live, work and access services knowing that their rights are understood, respected and upheld.
This project has been made possible with support from Gilead Sciences Ltd. We are grateful to Positively UK for their support in reviewing the survey questions, and cofacilitating the discussion group. Thanks to Laura Leigh Vetters and Daisy Studd for their contributions to the project.