Hello everyone. I am a senior in college majoring in psychology. This semester, I am taking a seminar on prejudice and discrimination. We are required to write a research paper on a topic of our choice. Since I am an hiv/aids activist, I decided to do my research on stereotypes of people with hiv/aids and the stigma that they face. If any of you could answer the following questions, it would be very helpful. Some questions are for people with hiv/aids, but some can be answered by people without hiv/aids, so please read them all! In addition, if you know or knew someone with hiv/aids, you could answer the questions with them in mind.

If any of you have hiv/aids, what sort of difficulties do you face socially?
When you tell someone that you have hiv or aids, do they treat you differently? If so, how are you treated?
Do people make assumptions about you when they find out that you have hiv or aids, and if so, what are some of those assumptions?
Some people may have a stereotypical view in mind of a person with hiv/aids. What do you believe a person with hiv/aids is like to an "outsider?" these may include: sex or gender, physical appearance, sexual orientation, occupation, activities or hobbies they enjoy, etc.
How do you believe most people think hiv/aids are spread?
If you have had aids/hiv for a few years, or know someone who has, have you noticed any differences in how society views them? Have things gotten "better" or "worse" for people with hiv/aids?

I understand that you may not want to answer, and that is fine! I would just like some "real world" experience. You will be anonymous. In fact, I will not even ask for your names!
Thanks for your time!