First hand: Changing lives through peer education

My journey started with a desire to create safe, inclusive spaces where young people could access health information without fear, shame, or judgment. I work with a community-based organization focusing on LGBTIQ+ youths aged 18 and above. We created spaces that share LGBTQ-specific health information about contraception, safer sex, and STI prevention.

As we began working with more young people, especially gay and bisexual men, we noticed something was missing. HIV wasn’t just a medical issue. It came with stigma, silence, and misinformation. At the time, HIV prevalence among gay and bisexual men was considered to be very high at 18.1%. Community interventions needed to respond, not just with services, but honest conversations and accurate, shame-free information.

More than a role, a responsibility

Being a peer educator is more than giving health talks. It involves engaging with your community, listening actively, and becoming someone they can trust. With time, you become a safe space by default. You become someone people come to for support, information, or even to talk.

The work of a peer educator involves outreach, especially in universities and communities where young people live, work, and study. Peer educators can talk about many topics, including HIV, STIs, condom use, and PrEP. They share tips on safer sex and answer all kinds of questions — even ones about body changes or relationships. It’s not always about HIV at first, but building trust. This helps bring people closer to the right information and services.

A big part of the work we do is helping peers access health services that are LGBTQ+ friendly and safe. Sometimes we go with someone to the clinic, explain where to go, and reassure them they’ll be treated with respect. We also follow up to make sure they got the help they needed, and if the experience was safe and supportive.

Challenging stigma through honest conversations

One of the biggest barriers we face in this work is stigma. Many people still believe that HIV only affects certain people, or that taking medication like PrEP means you're doing something wrong. These myths make it hard for people to protect themselves or even talk about HIV.

Peer educators try to shift that thinking. We start with simple, honest conversations. We talk openly about sex, pleasure, relationships, and safety. We ensure people know they can ask anything, without fear of being judged. When people feel seen and respected, they’re more open to learning and taking steps to protect themselves.

Our role is not just to give out information. It’s to help people make sense of it in a way that fits their lives. We don’t preach or scare people. Instead, we explain how HIV is passed on, how it can be prevented, and how someone living with HIV can still live a long and healthy life.

We talk about condoms, testing, treatment, and PrEP. We show how each of these tools can help someone take control of their health. We also listen. Sometimes people just need to feel heard before they’re ready to act.

Creating safe and supportive spaces

For many, being a peer educator means becoming a trusted person in our community. People come to us not just for information, but for support. Sometimes we walk with someone to a clinic. Sometimes we help them find a friendly service provider or follow up after a test.

We do this because we know how hard it can be to take that first step. But when people feel supported, they’re more likely to come. They will become more likely to stay on treatment, stay healthy, and connected.

To anyone thinking about becoming a peer educator, I’ll be honest, it’s not always easy. This work takes time, energy, and a lot of heart. But if you’re passionate about helping your community and ready to listen, learn, and lead, it’s one of the most powerful things you can do.

My advice? Know your limits and take care of yourself, too. This work is lifelong, and the people you support will always remember how you made them feel, not just what you told them. Stay grounded, be honest, and never stop learning.

Most of all, be yourself. People connect with people, not titles. When you show up with authenticity and care, you become more than an educator. You become a source of hope, support, and real change.