Sexual Health Blog

These are the silent rivers of the viral world: Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV). In conversations about sexual health and intimacy, Hepatitis is frequently overshadowed by HIV or visibly stigmatized conditions like Herpes. Yet, millions of individuals globally navigate the complex intersection of liver health, infectious disease, and romantic connection.

The human body is not a sterile environment, and expecting it to be one is a recipe for lifelong misery. By stripping away the moral panic and looking at the science, people managing HPV and HSV can reclaim their bodies, recognizing that a common microscopic companion does not diminish their infinite capacity for pleasure, connection, and profound love.

I founded the Albanian Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (AUPLHA). The mission was exceptionally clear: to demand access to life-saving medications, to protect the fundamental rights of patients, and to drag the reality of HIV out of the shadows.

Society has conditioned people to view this conversation as a confession—a courtroom moment where one person admits to a fundamental "flaw" and silently waits for the other to hand down a verdict. This framework is not only medically inaccurate, but it is also profoundly damaging to the human spirit. Disclosure is not a confession of a crime. It is an act of profound vulnerability, an invitation to trust, and a fundamental step in adult intimacy.

The mind begins to play a cruel trick. A person might think, “Who could ever love me now?” or “I have to settle for less because I carry this.” This is the mirror effect. The virus does not destroy the capacity for love and pleasure; the internalized shame does.

Three attacks, one pattern: sexual freedom as a litmus test for democracies Authoritarian and totalitarian systems differ in history, ideology and style. In one respect, however, they bear a striking resemblance: they hate freedom. And they oppose diversity. Where democracies erode and rights are curtailed, this rarely happens by chance or in isolation. The transformation follows a pattern: with […]

One year of ‘Data over Dogma’ – debates characterised by conviction and openness April 2026. For exactly one year now, Harriet Langanke has been hosting a special series of discussions. At the GSSG – Non-Profit Foundation for Sexuality and Health, she welcomes guests to the monthly “Data Instead of Dogma” debate on Thursdays who deal with the topics of paid sexuality and health. The online format has quickly established itself as a forum for […]

Static knowledge and dynamic insight – why essentialist thinking hinders scientific progress Science does not thrive on simply describing the world, but on constantly questioning its own descriptions. It is precisely here that a key dividing line lies: between a static and a dynamic understanding of knowledge. A static understanding is evident where […]

When morality becomes a substitute for religion: Why the debate on sex work so often falls flat Some discussions are exhausting. And then there are those that no longer even want to be discussions. The debate on sex work increasingly falls into the latter category. Anyone who publicly advocates for the rights of sex workers today often encounters a striking pattern: facts are ignored, scientific findings […]

We all carry dreams and desires, but we also carry the whispers that try to stop us: “No, you can’t”, “you don’t deserve happiness” or “don’t even try.” These voices are not ours. They are fear. And fear grows when we stay silent.

People told me I was “crazy”, doing things meant only for boys. But my inner voice told me, “Be happy, Eric”.

But how can we speak of rights when women are still not treated equally in the HIV response? How can we speak of justice when gender‑based violence continues to silence so many? How can we speak of action when prevention tools for women are still out of reach, even though we make up more than half of all people living with HIV worldwide?

Weren’t we supposed to end AIDS by 2030? Because right now, it feels like we’re moving backwards. Discrimination is the barrier blocking every step of progress. Without confronting it, the promise to end AIDS by 2030 becomes nothing more than a fantasy dressed up as progress.

SHAPE makes its public debut on October 17, 2025, during the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Conference in Paris, where it presents its mission and invites new members to join.

Governments and Their Bodies Open to Partnership Governments across Europe and the EECA region are actively seeking partnerships focused on community engagement. They understand that successful public health strategies require input from local populations. For instance, the EU Health Programme has allocated over €450 million from 2014 to 2020 to support projects that promote cooperation and shared best practices among member states. This commitment fosters an environment wher

The first step in empowering a community dedicated to sexual health is to create a strong network throughout Europe. This network should consist of individuals, organizations, and advocates who genuinely care about sexual health. For instance, organizations like Sexuality Education Network in the UK and EUSAF in Germany can join forces, sharing their unique insights and approaches. By connecting diverse voices, we build a powerful coalition capable of increasing our collectiv

The Legacy of the HIV Movement The HIV movement traces its beginnings to the early 1980s when the first AIDS cases emerged. Activists swiftly organized to raise awareness, challenge falsehoods, and advocate for the rights of those living with HIV. This grassroots determination was fueled by urgency and a commitment to community support. Consider this: within a decade of the epidemic's onset, the first antiretroviral therapies became available, transforming HIV from a death se