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It’s likely that some people would say that the dating scene for anyone is not the easiest thing to navigate, but it can be especially challenging for those with a positive HIV diagnosis.

Dating while living with HIV requires honesty about a medical condition that can be hard to talk about and one that many may not fully understand. It also requires a certain level of disclosure before any sexual act.

Fortunately, there are several resources dedicated to helping HIV-positive individuals find love while maintaining their privacy.

Here are some of the top HIV dating sites.

HIV dating sites: Poz Personals

In addition to offering community forums, mentoring, and medical information, Poz.com also has its own dating community.

A basic POZ Personals membership is free and allows you to see other members’ profiles, share up to five photos, and track who has looked at your profile.

A paid premium membership places your profile above other matches, allows you to see who’s viewed your profile, add unlimited photos, and send unlimited messages. It also allows you to save your favorite searches.

POZ Personals frequently features advice from members going through various stages of dating.

HIV dating sites: PozMatch

Founded in 1998, PozMatch is owned and run by HIV-positive individuals and is open to everyone living with HIV.

Basic membership is free and includes a profile, five photos, browsing, searching, and instant messaging, among other features.

A premium membership includes these features plus private email, webcam, video, and support services.

PozMatch also focuses on connecting those looking for platonic friendships.

A site designed for those with HIV, HPV, herpes, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Positive Singles has been live since 2001.

Features include a live dating advisor and online chat rooms.

A free app is available as another way for you to find potential matches and access your private albums.

Hzone is an iPhone dating app for HIV singles. It uses the Tinder-style, location-based technology to find matches in your area.

With a swipe, you can anonymously like (or pass) on potential matches and send direct messages.

There’s a free option and three paid VIP subscription options with discounted prices for subscribing for 3 months and 6 months.

HIV People Meet is a free dating site that allows you to find other singles living with HIV.

By joining the site, you have access to a live dating advisor and other support services.

The website also provides information on local support events and offers dating tips.

If you’re concerned about privacy and sharing your personal information online, Positives Dating may be right for you. Their privacy options are robust.

Positive Dating launched in 2001 and has one of the largest member networks. It also has both iPhone and Android apps for browsing matches on the go.

Free accounts allow you to reply to messages. Paid premium accounts offer more features on the site. Video streaming, however, is not offered.

Meet Positives is a mobile-friendly site that allows you to match with people based on various STIs such as herpes, hepatitis, and HIV.

Verification processes help to prevent fake accounts and maintain members’ privacy.

The site offers community support and tips for finding love. It offers both iPhone and Android apps.

Online since 1997, PozCircle is a free dating site for anyone living with STIs.

Privacy is a priority, and you don’t have to give your name up-front to browse.

If you like the experience, PozCircle validates member information to avoid inauthentic users.

HIV Dating Online focuses on live chat for those living with HIV.

Their basic free membership allows you to browse, view profiles, send flirts, and edit your profile.

Premium membership expands these options to allow messaging, photo galleries, and priority display within the results.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Disclose your status. If your partner doesn’t know, you may wish to disclose this information on your first date. Or you may prefer to wait until you know the relationship has potential. Either way, make sure to tell them before any sexual contact.
  2. Practice safer sex. Using a condom or other barrier method is vital, even if you and your partner are both HIV-positive. Doing so will protect you from contracting STIs, which can lower your CD4 count and cause other complications. Also, practicing safer sex reduces your risk for contracting another strain of HIV.

Safety tips for dating sites

Here are some tips to help stay safer while meeting people from a dating site or app:

  • Avoid providing personal information, especially up front.
  • Never give out financial information or send money.
  • Be careful on public or shared computers and make sure to log out after browsing.
  • Have a video chat prior to meeting to help avoid a catfish situation.
  • Meet in public and keep a friend informed of where you are.
Was this helpful?

Thanks to rapid improvements in treating the virus, the outlook for those living with HIV is very optimistic.

Early intervention and antiviral treatments can help people with HIV live normal, healthy lives with intimate relationships for many years after diagnosis.

Finding a relationship where disclosure is made easier and safer is a great way to get started.

Stay safe and find love.