Good day chaps! The topic and discussion surrounding HIV used to be one that was given a wide birth once upon a time. It feels great to be writing this article with the fact that this is no longer the case – and so it shouldn’t be.
Back in the 1980s when the disease attracted such negativity, life for HIV sufferers was severely physically and mentally traumatising, with few people understanding it. Today, many brave people who live with HIV have come out to speak publicly about their candid experiences, helping to de-stigmatise and normalise it.
HIV stigma: then and now
As mentioned above, the 1980s were an unforgiving time for those living with HIV, but why? Advertising campaigns had a profound effect, scaring the general public and playing a big part in why HIV sufferers were so unfairly shunned by society in many ways.
The fact that homosexuality was still controversial in the western world also undoubtedly contributed to the hostility surrounding those with the disease. Alas, in many developing parts of the world, this remains the case.
Back in 2009, The Guardian published an article that cited 1 in 5 people living with HIV had been harassed, threatened and verbally assaulted that year. With the growth and prevalence of the LGBTQ community, education surrounding the disease has improved and the spotlight is no longer solely on the connection between being homosexual and having the disease.
What are the key things that have helped change perceptions?
Here in the UK mental health services have greatly improved, which has and will continue to contribute to de-stigmatisiation, though these do remain underfunded. The WHO (World Health Organisation) has carried out extensive research to help find solutions to the issue and increase awareness. Famous faces have also come out to make their struggles public.
How can I help in the fight against tackling HIV?
It’s our collective responsibility to help join the fight in eradicating stigma around HIV and combatting against the disease. POZ have put together a great article outlining 10 ways we can all help to do so – have a read here.
Knowledge is power, so if you see an opportunity to share content that might help de-stigmatise HIV on social media or YouTube, give it a share! NAT are the leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV – why not get involved?
Let’s all do our bit chaps!