Ideas worth spreading

Our treatment of HIV has advanced. Why hasn't the stigma changed?

1,211,785 views | Arik Hartmann • TEDxVermilionStreet

The treatment of HIV has significantly advanced over the past three decades -- why hasn't our perception of people with the disease advanced along with it? After being diagnosed with HIV, Arik Hartmann chose to live transparently, being open about his status, in an effort to educate people. In this candid, personal talk, he shares what it's like to live with HIV -- and calls on us to dismiss our misconceptions about the disease.

The treatment of HIV has significantly advanced over the past three decades -- why hasn't our perception of people with the disease advanced along with it? After being diagnosed with HIV, Arik Hartmann chose to live transparently, being open about his status, in an effort to educate people. In this candid, personal talk, he shares what it's like to live with HIV -- and calls on us to dismiss our misconceptions about the disease.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxVermilionStreet, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

About the speaker

See speaker profile

Arik Hartmann is tackling the ignorance and misinformation surrounding HIV/AIDS.

HIV.gov | Explore

HIV Basics

Basic information regarding transmission, symptoms and treatment of HIV. Also provides a fantastic timeline of the HIV epidemic in the US.

HIV.gov | Explore

Positive Spin

Personal stories from HIV positive people and provides information on locating care.

The Body | Explore

United States HIV/AIDS Organizations

Extensive list of local (by state) HIV/AIDS organizations that cover treatment, care, financial and mental support for people with HIV.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Explore

Act Against AIDS

The CDC's Act Against Aids campaign is a great resource for HIV prevention, awareness, testing and treatment.

David Weissman | Watch

We Were Here

Great documentary that shows the impact HIV/AIDS had on the gay community in the United States in the 80’s, and how the stigma against those with HIV arose and how it continues to this day.

About TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.

Find a TEDx event near you

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxVermilionStreet, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.