HIV discrimination at work

When Ben found out he had HIV, he only told a couple of close friends, but one of them was the partner of his union representative at his workplace in a major national charity. The union rep began to maliciously tell others at work and refused to let Ben use kitchen equipment.

Despite taking out a complaint, Ben was made to work alone with the rep on several shifts. Ben felt that management were more interested in his HIV status than the complaint and the union failed to give him legal or moral support. Eventually he felt forced to quit both the union and the job.

Lack of equality

"…life is great now. But I learn that even the most liberal organisations with good track records of equality are shit-scared of HIV and think nothing of those of us living with it. My union had a large handbook on HIV… and broke nearly every promise of equality and respect for people living with HIV."