# Sex Advice Column: PrEP Stigma and Post-Breakup Healing > Non-binary person shares PrEP struggles amid stigma while seeking post-breakup dating advice. - Title: Sex Advice Column: PrEP Stigma and Post-Breakup Healing - Summary: Non-binary person shares PrEP struggles amid stigma while seeking post-breakup dating advice. Non-binary person navigates PrEP stigma and post-breakup… - Keywords: non-binary, prep, hiv, stigma, post-breakup, dating, healing, sex advice, Sex, Advice, Column, Slate Magazine - Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/10/sex-advice-protection-sti-prep.html?via=rss - Author: Rich Juzwiak - Published: 2026-10-21T17:30:00+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: non-binary, prep, hiv, stigma, post-breakup, dating, healing, sex advice ## PrEP Prescription I just got my first prescription after two condom breaks in the same night. > I’ve been thinking of getting on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for a while ## Identity and Fear I’m non-binary, assigned female at birth, with no current hormone replacement therapy or gender affirming surgery. > I sleep with men, women, non-binary people, trans or not, and have multiple partners at a time ## Workplace Stigma I’m scared of judgment from regular providers and colleagues if they find out. > I work in the healthcare industry, so I’m scared of judgment ## HIV Testing Concerns I’ve already got weird looks for asking for throat and anal swabs. > Like, how do you explain you don’t need HIV post-exposure prophylaxis when you get a little bit of blood on a mild scratch ## Stigma in Conservative Culture There’s also that stigma that comes with being AFAB with multiple partners in a largely conservative culture. > I’m so happy to start it, but I’m at a loss as to how to navigate any potential social stigma ## PrEP Benefits PrEP is an effective way with few side effects to remain HIV negative. > People won’t necessarily understand why you’re on PrEP, but their ignorance does not trump your awareness of what is right for your body ## Workplace Advantage Being protected and not needing emergency PEP is an asset in your line of work, not a liability. > You don’t have to explain beyond saying, 'I’m on PrEP' ## Post-Breakup Healing I recently broke up with my partner of 11 years after a painful but necessary breakup. > It’s been three weeks, so I’m definitely still in mourning ## Healing Timeline Moderation is key: sex can be a positive way to get back in touch with yourself after a rough relationship. > There’s a lot of good to glean from connecting with another person and being kind and giving to them ## Single Life I’m 21, gay and trans in a small town, feeling forlorn without relationships. > I am likely to move quite far after I graduate from university ## Community Building Join on-campus LGBTQ+ clubs or visit off-campus queer spaces to find community. > There is basically a subreddit for every label you could ever think of applying to yourself ## Long-Term Perspective Your youth doesn’t make your angst any less real, but your future holds opportunities for dating and connection. > You have your whole life ahead of you ## Next Steps Try not to use sex as an escape from life but as an enhancement for it. > If you find yourself stuck in a space where you are constantly having or searching for sex, rethink your choices ## Key takeaway Non-binary person navigates PrEP stigma and post-breakup healing with mixed relationship advice.