HIV Stigma, Testing & Women’s Health: The Poz Vibe Story

Meet Veda Lady and Robbie Lawlor, the driving forces behind Poz Vibe, a Dublin-based community and advocacy group reshaping the conversation around HIV. Their work isn’t simply about raising awareness; it’s about dismantling the layered stigmas – homophobia, transphobia, racism, and more – that continue to isolate individuals and hinder progress towards ending the HIV epidemic. Poz Vibe’s approach centers on empowerment, community building, and a radical acceptance that challenges long-held societal prejudices.

The Shifting Face of HIV Stigma

Robbie Lawlor reflects on how HIV stigma has evolved. “Back in the 80s and 90s, HIV stigma was very much related to homophobia,” he explains. “Now we’re seeing it related to transphobia, to racism to other minorities. The world is trying to do everything it can to dehumanise people in general, but if you have HIV, then you have a double or triple stigma.” This observation underscores a critical point: HIV isn’t confined to any single demographic. While historically associated with gay and bisexual men, the epidemic now impacts diverse populations, and the associated stigma reflects broader societal biases. According to research highlighted by the Journal of the International AIDS Society, addressing these intersecting forms of discrimination is central to achieving the global goal of ending HIV transmission by 2030. [1]

The “Viral Closet” and the Power of Connection

Poz Vibe’s core mission is to combat the “viral closet” – the secrecy and shame that prevent people from openly discussing their HIV status. Veda describes the difficulty of imagining a life outside that closet, especially when lacking visible role models. “Thinking yourself out of that closet, imagining yourself out of that closet, when there’s no one outside of it yet, is really hard,” she says. Her connection with Robbie proved pivotal. “What’s been amazing for me is that Robbie is one of the people that I could see outside of the closet and that made me want to do it, too and do it as considerable as I could.” This highlights the profound impact of peer support and visibility in dismantling stigma. The pair’s collaborative efforts – a documentary and a podcast – are designed to extend that hand to others, creating a growing “chain” of support.

Breaking Barriers in Public Awareness Campaigns

Poz Vibe’s influence extends to national public health campaigns. In 2021, Robbie Lawlor became the first person living with HIV to appear in a Health Service Executive (HSE) campaign in Ireland. This was followed in 2025 by Luis Noguera, the first Latina and person of colour to do so. These milestones represent a significant shift in representation and a move towards normalizing conversations about HIV. These campaigns are crucial in challenging misconceptions and reducing the fear surrounding HIV, but they also underscore how recently these barriers have begun to fall.

Poz Vibe: More Than Just an Organisation, It’s a Tribe

What began as a project between Veda and Robbie quickly blossomed into a thriving community. Poz Vibe intentionally fosters a sense of belonging, referring to its members as a “Poz Tribe.” Veda emphasizes that maintaining this community focus is paramount. “We have always said that being a community group is the core of Poz Vibe and we never want to lose our finger on the pulse of the community. We are the community.” This emphasis on community is reflected in the diverse ways the tribe supports its members – from finding housing and employment to offering emotional support and even helping people find partners. The organization prioritizes mental wellbeing and encourages experimentation and self-expression.

Disclosure: Beyond the Negative

Disclosure – the act of revealing one’s HIV status – is often framed as a fraught experience, fraught with potential for discrimination and rejection. Robbie challenges this narrative, pointing out that sharing his status has also brought immense positivity to his life. “Sometimes disclosure of HIV status gets a bad rap,” he says. “We’re more inclined to talk about the negative times we tell people we live with HIV and the kind of negative things that may happen from that. But some of the best things that ever happened in my life is when I shared with people that I live with HIV.” This nuanced perspective highlights the potential for connection and acceptance that can arise from open communication.

Addressing Misconceptions About HIV and Women

A critical aspect of Poz Vibe’s work is dispelling the myth that HIV is solely a “gay disease.” Robbie points out that many women are diagnosed with HIV believing it’s not a risk for them. “HIV is not a gay disease. I know that that’s what women have been taught. A few women that I know who were diagnosed with HIV have said, ‘Robbie, no disrespect, but I thought that was a gay thing.’” This misconception is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to delayed testing and treatment. Data from Ireland shows a concerning trend: the proportion of new HIV diagnoses among women has risen from one-fifth to one-quarter in recent years. [3] This increase is linked to later diagnosis among heterosexual women, who are less likely to be routinely tested by GPs. The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) emphasizes that homophobia, transphobia and biphobia all impact health outcomes for people living with and at risk of HIV. [3]

The Importance of Testing and Treatment

Poz Vibe advocates for widespread HIV testing and emphasizes that HIV is a virus that can affect anyone. They promote the convenience of at-home testing services like SH24.ie, which offers free STI tests delivered directly to your door. Early detection and treatment are crucial, not only for individual health but also for preventing further transmission. Importantly, they highlight that people living with HIV who are on effective treatment cannot transmit the virus to their sexual partners – a message often overlooked. They also emphasize the importance of continued sexual health awareness, stating, “Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to STIs. Don’t reckon that STIs are for other people. Take responsibility for your own sexual health.”

Empowering Women Living with HIV

Poz Vibe provides specific support for women living with HIV, recognizing the unique challenges they face. They offer a WhatsApp group to connect women with each other, particularly those who may be geographically isolated. They also challenge the notion that living with HIV diminishes one’s desirability or right to fulfilling sexual experiences. “Continue to have great sex, as that is another thing that we see for women and for everyone living with HIV. They almost feel like you just have to kind of settle for whatever sex is happening. You’re the safest person to have sex with and not pass on HIV. There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s nothing unclean about you. You deserve that.”

Looking Ahead: Continued Advocacy and Community Support

Poz Vibe’s work is far from over. They will continue to advocate for greater visibility, challenge stigma, and provide a safe and supportive community for people living with HIV. Their success demonstrates the power of peer-led initiatives and the importance of centering the voices of those most affected by the epidemic. For individuals seeking support or information, Poz Vibe serves as a vital resource, reminding everyone that they are not alone and that a life filled with love, connection, and joy is possible, regardless of their HIV status.