Stigma and discrimination.

People who are HIV positive in Idaho face prejudice and stigma which can keep them from getting the help and support they need.

What is stigma?

Stigma is the use of negative labels, attitudes, and stereotypes. Often people with HIV, their family and caregivers are rejected by their social circles and communities. They may not be allowed to eat in local restaurants and they may be the subject of vicious gossip. They may be forced out of their homes, lose their jobs, or be subjected to violent assault. Sometimes they can’t take their children to school or daycare, because other parents are afraid their children will get HIV.

Stigma can appear in many forms: Blame, shame, judgment, insult, rumor, assumptions, gossip, ridicule, suspicion, neglect, isolation, rejection, harassment, abuse, and violence.

Why is there stigma

Some people are afraid they’ll “catch” HIV. They aren’t aware of how HIV is transmitted and since people die of HIV/AIDS, it terrifies them.
Some people are homophobic – homosexuality and drug use carry their own stigma.
Some people negatively judge HIV positive people and believe HIV is just punishment for bad lifestyle choices.
Segments of many mainstream religions believe HIV/AIDS is God’s punishment for immoral behavior

Stigma helps spread the disease.

Stigma also makes people reluctant to get tested for HIV or admit they are at risk — because they don’t want to be judged and mistreated if they find out they have HIV.

Of course this compounds the problem because people who don’t know they’re infected continue to engage in risky behavior that exposes additional people to the disease.

Discrimination adds to the burden of living with HIV/AIDS.

Denying a person a job, housing, legal protection, or medical care because of a disease is just as reprehensible as denial on the basis of skin color, gender, religious belief, or nation of origin. It’s simply not fair.

How can you fight stigma and discrimination?

Learn the facts — be knowledgeable about how HIV is spread.
Don’t judge others. Most HIV positive people’s decisions make sense, once we know all the circumstances that influenced their behavior. . . but we don’t. So don’t judge until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.
Ask yourself if you have any fears, prejudice or old ideas that cause you to go along with stigma in our society. Then let it go!!!
If you’re a health care provider, get more education about HIV. Get comfortable caring for HIV positive clients and learn more about cultural competency.
Speak up. Politely correct misinformation, and stop silent and blatant discrimination in your community.