Konnie Huq: if I had HIV, would you kiss me?

http://redcross.org.uk/hiv

What would it take for you to kiss someone with HIV? If Konnie Huq was HIV positive, would you kiss her?

The stigma experienced by people living with HIV and AIDS is immensely destructive and can further damage people who may already be in a vulnerable state. For World AIDS Day 2009, the British Red Cross carried out a survey of 16-25-year-olds in the UK, which showed that 85 per cent knew you cannot catch HIV from a kiss. Despite this, 69 per cent still wouldn't kiss someone with HIV. So while people's knowledge about HIV is generally good, that doesn't necessarily translate into action.


Its not just about close contact like kissing the general trend is similar for more casual contact as well. For example, 96 per cent of people surveyed know you can't get HIV from sharing a meal with someone who is HIV positive - but 44 per cent still wouldn't want to buy food from a shopkeeper with HIV.



Red Cross peer educators are young people who train and teach people their own age, covering a range of humanitarian issues, including HIV. We can always use more volunteers for this challenging and rewarding role, so if you'd like to change the way people think about HIV, visit redcross.org.uk/hiv

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[McSuperfly101]

To be honest, I'd probably sleep with her even if she had full blown Aids.

[DaveBTHunt]

"I'm HIV but you can still kiss me OK" is the worst chat up line I ever heard.

[marlboroman1985]

I wouldn't. But if you play your cards right I might give you an "R Kelly."

[popazz1]

@Bugz904 ,

So I guess you're 100% celibate,then? 'Cause that's the generally accepted method of being safe! How about the many people you come into contact with on a daily basis,the ones who's status you don't know? As the PSA states,'there's safety,then there's STIGMA'! 

[Bugz904]

If you had HIV I would not come near you let alone KISS you !

[Serachfan]

@NewZealandParkour Actually, if they have HIV you are much more careful.. In contrast to NOT KNOWING it (because you can never know for sure) which results to "minor" mistakes.. So I think you are wrong..

[coolioprincess]

Well it looked like to me that she SHAVED her tongue , blood to blood contact ......

[AbsintheGirl27]

If every single person from about the age of 12 was forced to take an HIV 101 Class or Classes the world would be a better place and maybe we could get rid of this stupid stigma that surrounds this virus!!

[Minute158]

Um I believe that's people with herpes 1 or 2 (espeically those who think they're clean but have never had a blood test for it) who might be asymptomatically shedding who you need to beware of kissing.

[BingtheLizard]

So this public message is prettymuch a slap in the face for the average person, saying "screw you for being too cautious". Right...

[NewZealandParkour]

if someone has aids you should not engage in any sexually charged action with them... the risk isn't worth it