New HIV "webinars" launch tonight

People living with HIV will have the chance to tell their stories during online seminars launched tonight.

The "webinars" have been set up by Auckland University film student, Ada Chin, and are being launched today to coincide with World Aids Day.

"People fear what they don't understand. I wanted to reduce the gap between the myth and the reality of HIV," she said.

The series of webinars will present live discussions focusing on people living with HIV, followed by a short question and answer session.

"The webinar allows people who are not comfortable with seeking information on HIV in public, to learn about it in the privacy of their own homes."

The webinars would be an ongoing thing, she said.

"Because misunderstandings don't only arise on World Aids Day...and to reduce stigma against people living with HIV, we need to regularly talk about it online, we need to continuously talk about it in our daily lives."

Tonight's discussion will be led by Positive Woman national coordinator Jane Bruning, followed by Michael Stevens who lives with HIV.

It will cost $35 with the proceeds going to the speaker involved and an HIV support organisation of their choice.

The webinars will begin at 8pm tonight at www.thetalkingrevolution.com.

- NZPA