Cette réflexion est aussi disponible en français [➦].

Translated by Florence Bois-Villeneuve.

When addressing health, careful word choice is crucial. Employing appropriate terminology that reflects an understanding of and sensitivity to each person's reality—whether by health professionals, caregivers, family or friends—is empowering and enhances the acceptance of one's condition. Therefore, being careful of the way we use language to describe the experiences of those living with specific health conditions, such as a person with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can lead to a reevaluation of our linguistic choices and promote critical thinking.

Currently, proper adherence to antiretroviral therapy allows those with HIV to reach an undetectable viral load, thereby rendering the transmission of the virus impossible (CATIE, 2017). Despite these medical advances that have significantly improved the lives of people with HIV, societal fear towards the virus and those affected remains, leading to global stigmatization. For individuals facing systemic oppression, the use of inappropriate terms can exacerbate the stigma they experience and its impacts on both mental and physical health (Meyer, 2003; Vojak, 2009).

First, it's crucial to differentiate between HIV and AIDS and use the correct term based on the individual's health status to prevent confusion. HIV refers to the virus itself. Without treatment, this virus can cause immune deficiency and lead to complications known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, commonly called AIDS (PVSQ, 2019). Referring to someone with HIV as having AIDS can be highly derogatory, perpetuating the outdated notion that the virus necessarily leads to severe health decline or even death. However, this no longer reflects today's reality, as the vast majority of people living with HIV, especially those receiving treatment, will not progress to the AIDS stage.

Terms such as “HIV-infected person,” “HIV person,” or “AIDS patient” should be avoided because they carry significant implications and label individuals based on their health condition (CPHA, 2019; UNAIDS, 2011). Although “HIV-positive person” is a widely used term, Les 3 sex* prefers “person living with HIV.” This phrasing avoids reducing an individual’s identity to their serological status and promotes the notion that living with HIV is not a life sentence, but a manageable reality with which one can lead a healthy and long life (UNAIDS, 2011). However, for some, stating “I am HIV positive” can be empowering, embracing their serological status as an intrinsic part of their identity. Therefore, it is crucial to respect the preferred self-identification of each individual.

While our daily words might seem inconsequential, they mirror our thoughts and often reflect power dynamics and stereotypes. Terminology can perpetuate the negative perceptions of a group or individual within society, thereby contributing to their ongoing social exclusion (Vojak, 2009). Choosing accurate and respectful terms can significantly impact a person's life and the acceptance of their reality.