This paper explores the lived experiences of HIV/AIDS for the LGBQI+ community, focusing on the mundane and monotonous aspects which typically get overlooked by mainstream academic research. The research aims are to analyse and amplify these experiences and further the existing literature by highlighting some overlooked issues and using queer theory to explain the matters raised. To achieve these aims, 25 participants took part in an individual semi-structured online interview, and five subsequent follow-up interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts which produced four themes: (1) Control, (2) Identity, (3) Relationships and (4) Mortality. Other findings include the symbolic role of medication, diagnosis as a catalyst for personal change, and the surprising banality of life with HIV.
Overall, life can be vastly different for each person living with HIV (PLWH) due to factors such as their age, gender, race and sexual orientation but there are some overlapping issues that tend to be experienced by most which are the themes discussed in this paper. The aftermath of diagnosis is characterised by a period of uncertainty and loss of control, but this eventually settled into a sense of banality as participants recognised that little has changed in their daily lives due to the medical developments in HIV treatment. The most significant changes revolved around making sense of one’s sense of self following diagnosis and the associated identity work undertaken and the changes in personal relationships in the aftermath of disclosing one’s status to others. The stigmatisation surrounding the disease has also shifted from outright hostility towards a more wilful ignorance. Most PLWH are now able to live relatively normal lives similar to their pre-diagnosis situation but the emotional weight and toll of the epidemic remain significant for many individuals who endured the terror and grief of this period, especially the earlier years. Therefore, life with HIV/AIDS for the LGBQI+ community has become more normalised, routine and monotonous but the legacy of previous struggles and stigma still haunts those with the virus.
