Older adults living with HIV have sex. This fact is often ignored because of HIV-related stigma and ageism on the part of providers and educators. If sexual activity is mentioned, it is most commonly about dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness) and maintaining penetrative sex. But we know that there are many reasons and ways that people have sex.

In education and communication, we need to use Sex Positive language to acknowledge and destigmatize sexual activity. When we say the words “Sex Positivity,” there is often confusion about what it means and how to communicate with a sex positive framework. When presented to older adults, who have a wide variety of backgrounds and experience with discussing sex, the confusion can be exacerbated. Yet delivering messages in a sex positive way, included education and marketing, promotes anti-stigmatizing messaging and shifts the conversation from sexual health to sexual wellness.

This session will explore what it means to communicate with a sex positive lens with older adults living with HIV, with particular attention to language, imagery, and a cross-generational understanding of sexuality. We will then apply those skills and develop some ideas for outreach and communication geared towards the priority population of the attendees.