True activism goes beyond visibility: Challenging stigma and unjust HIV laws

Social activism is often misunderstood as a series of visible, convenient acts that earn appreciation or social media applause. In reality, becoming a social activist is a challenging and deeply committed endeavour, one that demands consistency, courage, and compassion—especially when recognition is absent.

Activism is about responsibility, not recognition

True activism is not limited to occasional gestures such as donating items, cleaning one’s surroundings, or participating in symbolic acts when it suits one’s schedule. Genuine activism begins when individuals stand with people during moments of vulnerability, respond to injustice, and work toward meaningful change even when it is uncomfortable.

An authentic activist does not seek to promote themselves online or chase validation. Instead, the focus remains on raising awareness, questioning harmful systems, and supporting those who are marginalised, regardless of whether the effort gains public attention.

As Debmalya Bhattacharyya, Director of BSLA said – “It is good to see number of HIV positive kids are now less than 2018 , first time when Me, Kinjal Roy and Payel visited this place ,we supported 55+ children . Good to see now only 30 children are here , it proves that awareness has increased.”

HIV is not a crime, but outdated laws still treat it as one

This distinction is especially critical in discussions around HIV and criminalisation. HIV itself is not a crime. However, in many regions, outdated laws continue to criminalise people living with HIV for non-disclosure or perceived risk of transmission—even in cases where there is no intent to harm and no actual transmission.

Advocates working to end these laws describe them as “stuck in the 1980s”, rooted in fear rather than science. Such statutes often fuel stigma, discourage testing and disclosure, and undermine public health efforts aimed at prevention and treatment.

Criminal charges rooted in fear, not science

In extreme cases, individuals living with HIV have faced charges such as attempted murder, aggravated assault, or exposure for actions like spitting or biting. Scientific evidence has long established that these actions pose no realistic risk of HIV transmission, yet legal systems in some jurisdictions continue to ignore modern medical understanding.

These punitive approaches persist despite significant advancements in HIV treatment, prevention, and viral suppression, which have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition for many.

Why criminalisation harms public health

Criminalising HIV does not protect society. Instead, it reinforces stigma, isolates those affected, and discourages people from getting tested or seeking care. Fear of legal consequences often leads to silence rather than safety.

Public health experts and human rights advocates consistently argue that education, access to healthcare, and evidence-based policies are far more effective in preventing transmission than punishment.

The true purpose of social activism

True social activism lies in challenging unjust laws, replacing fear with facts, and advocating for dignity and human rights. It requires confronting outdated beliefs, standing up for science, and ensuring that policies reflect compassion and evidence rather than prejudice.

Activism is not about being seen—it is about being responsible, persistent, and committed to justice, even when the work is difficult and the rewards are invisible.