When people are devalued or shamed based on any point of difference, such as health, sexuality, race or ethnicity, they can feel rejected and judged. Unfortunately people living with HIV are easy targets.
HIV prejudice is never based on reason or reality. There’s no valid reason for this misplaced and outdated attitude.
When a person gets a cancer diagnosis, they usually find themselves surrounded by care, support and understanding. When a person gets a HIV diagnosis, unfortunately many of us experience HIV stigma, judgement and prejudice about this medical condition.
The reality is that HIV can impact anyone, from a young person, to a middle-aged couple living in the suburbs to a nurse providing care in a clinical setting. People living with HIV are everywhere and can be from any walk of life.
Today HIV is treated and managed like any other ongoing (chronic) health condition, like diabetes or arthritis. Normally, people don’t die anymore from HIV or even AIDS. Yet still today, HIV stigma and prejudice can be a bigger killer than the virus itself.
Unfortunately, when feelings of shame and despair overwhelm someone living with HIV, their mental health can be affected and they can become much less likely to talk about why and how they’re feeling.
For others, just the fear of stigma, judgement or violence can keep a person living with HIV from reaching out for support from loved ones or services. Living in a heightened state of anxiety and fear can impact a person’s ability to keep their medical appointments and stay on their medication.
HIV stigma can also mean some people who are living with HIV never get tested for HIV. Some avoid HIV testing because “people like me” are not at risk of HIV, and in this way stigma, prejudice and stereotypes impact their lives and health, sometimes until it’s too late.
Reducing HIV stigma and prejudice is one of the biggest ways to improve the physical and mental health of all people living with HIV. Whether we’re living with HIV or not, it’s important to challenge negative attitudes about HIV or AIDS.
Questioning ignorant jokes or comments about HIV or AIDS, can be a small way to start to change attitudes about this medical condition. Everyone can turn the tide on HIV stigma and discrimination. Shaming or rejecting someone based on HIV has no place in our society.
Positive Life NSW works to reduce the impact of HIV stigma by talking about HIV and supporting people to make connections with others living with HIV including our friends and family. Together we can reduce the dangerous emotions of fear, shame and despair.
If you live with HIV and want to explore ways to connect with others who understand, call Positive Life NSW and speak with someone else who lives with HIV on 1800 245 677 or (02) 8357 8386 or email contact@positivelife.org.au
