Sense Project

HIV stigma or “serophobia” EXISTS!!! By HIV stigma, I mean all of the HIV-related guilt, discrimination, fear, prejudice and shame that exist within and outside of the gay community. HIV stigma can be overt and/or subtle. For instance, a person who rejects someone because they have or might have HIV is a form of serophobic behaviour. And, a person who gossips about someone based on the possibility that they might have HIV is, also, serophobic. These attitudes and behaviours can lead to incorrect assumptions, anxiety, fear and unsafe sexual practices.

So, how can we fight HIV stigma in our own lives and within our communities?