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People living with HIV/AIDS (PHA) have been facing many difficulties in their lives because they are discriminated in various contexts, such as family, community, and work. Currently, AIDS Non - Governmental Organizations (AIDS /NGOs) have become increasingly important because, beyond providing traditional social support, they also offer an environment where PHA may openly express and share not only their experiences with HIV/AIDS, but they can change their personal and professio nal projetcts. We analyzed historical documents, in - depth interviews, and questionnaires answered by community members within two AIDS/NGOs, one in London, Ontario, Canada (NGO - Ca) and another in Greater Sao Paulo, Brazil (NGO - Br). In this article, some pa thways of political participation, which are relevant to both communities, are discussed. Surely, this may contribute to the decreasing of stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS: compassion and altruism as a bridge to political participation, effect s on activism, and fostering based on solidarity and co - responsibility are also important discussed issues.