What is HIV related stigma? HIV stigma refers to prejudice, invalidation and discrimination (negative beliefs, feelings and attitudes) towards people perceived to have HIV, friends and relatives of people diagnosed with HIV, and populations at high risk of HIV like IV drug users, sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender people. HIV stigma is also used to validate egocentric points of view in which certain groups of people (others) are perceived to have less value (than us). Thus, it is not surprising that HIV stigma often reinforces the devaluing of people with minority status based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

How does HIV stigma impact prevention and treatment? HIV stigma is one of the principal barriers to prevention, treatment and care. For instance, fear of being negatively judged by others decreases the chances of seeking HIV related information and of following the recommended testing standards (once a year for sexually active individuals), which may decrease the likelihood of safe sex practices, delay onset of treatment and increase the number of new HIV transmission by unaware individuals. HIV stigma may also decrease the likelihood of HIV disclosures to friends, family, and sexual partners due to fear of rejection, which in turn increases HIV risk in the community and negatively impacts the motivation of HIV-positive individuals to engage in behaviors needed to maintain their health (e.g. taking ART as prescribed, attending medical appointments, building and maintaining a support system).

In some cases, individuals internalize (believe) messages emanating from prejudice/HIV stigma and fail to seek support because they see themselves as unworthy of health, love and connection. This negative self-view tends to be detrimental to treatment adherence. In fact, people who have not yet been connected with a strong support system and who experience HIV stigma are less likely to follow medical advice.

Where does HIV stigma come from? Misinformation and ignorance are major sources of HIV stigma. Another source of HIV stigma is people’s need to feel invulnerable. Some individuals might find it easier to think that HIV is something that happens to others… This belief can be dangerous because it decreases the likelihood of having open conversations with prospective sexual partners as well as the chances of engaging in safe sexual practices.

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HIV stigma involves given moral values to a medical condition. The reality is that HIV is a medical illness caused by a virus that affects people from all walks of life.

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How can we reduce  HIV related stigma and discrimination? Stigma can have a broad socioeconomic impact on people’s lives. At the community level, it is important to promote and maintain environments that prioritizes justice, dignity and the protection of human rights. Strategies should be developed and implemented to mitigate the effects of discrimination on employment, education, health, and the justice system.

Many organizations in Austin work towards decreasing the effect of HIV stigma in the community and on people diagnosed with the condition. A great resource for HIV-positive women is the Women Rising Project, where women can get connected with resources including HIV-related information and participation in support groups. Another group, HIV Connection, offers training for services providers, and conducts outreach programs for the community (For additional information on HIV related programs and services click here).

At the individual level, the impact of stigma (both external and internalized) may be decreased with education, building a good support system, and attending group and/or individual psychotherapy.