MYTH: “You cannot get HIV from oral sex.” No matter what people say, there's no way to know whether someone is (or isn't) living with HIV just by looking at them. REALITY: Some people can live with HIV for more than 10 years without showing signs or symptoms. MYTH: “I can tell whether someone is HIV-positive just by looking at that them.” You might even consider getting tested together for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Be sure to talk to your partner(s) your sexual health and practices and theirs. According to the latest estimates, 68 percent of new HIV transmissions among gay and bisexual men occur in the context of a primary relationship (e.g., boyfriend, friend with benefits). REALITY: It is still important to get tested for HIV even if you’re in a monogamous relationship. MYTH: “I am in a monogamous relationship. Moreover, according to the CDC, older Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with HIV at a later stage of the disease. REALITY: HIV transmission is about behavior, not how old you are. MYTH: “I am over 50! I don’t need to worry about HIV.”
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Calling HIV a “gay” or “LGBTQ” disease is medically untrue and only serves to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about people living with HIV and members of the LGBT community. Anyone-regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or other factors-can acquire HIV. REALITY: While rates of HIV are disproportionately higher among members of the LGBTQ community, HIV is by no means confined to LGBTQ people. MYTH: “HIV is a ‘gay’ or ‘LGBT’ disease.”