“Serosorting” as a reliable prevention message

The idea of serosorting, which is dating someone who shares your HIV positive status, is appealing to many in the HIV community who have been stonewalled on the dating scene primarily based on HIV status. Many people on dating sites use language such as “must be clean”, and other terminology that doesn’t exactly inspire feelings of self-worth when read by someone who is living with a non-curable sexually transmitted infection.

The problem with "serosorting" as a prevention message is that it provides a false sense of security. There is a possibility of reinfection if one partner is resistant to medication while another is undetectable. Multiple strains of HIV complicate what at face value seems like the perfect opportunity to do away with condoms. Not only that, when you take HIV out of the mix, not using protection opens you up to the possibility of being exposed to other sexually transmitted infections as well. This is assuming that both partners have not had up-to-date testing done.

Personally, I don’t like the idea of people with HIV shutting themselves off from the general public when looking for love. There are lots of open-minded people out there who- if they were to fall in love with someone who has HIV- would be up to the task of getting educated and alleviating irrational fears about transmission of the virus. Love, honest and communication really can conquer all. And what if you are HIV positive and fall in love with a fellow positoid? Well, more power to you! Just be sure to discuss the sexual ramifications with your doctor before you store those condoms away.