Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity releases a snapshot poll of gay men living with HIV in Britain.
The Poll coincides with the #StopStigma campaign that the charity is engaging in today, for World AIDS Day.
Of 412 men polled – average age range 25 – 64, and diagnosed in the last 20 years – 77 per cent had experienced stigma.
This was most prevalent:
♦ In the gay community itself, where nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) had experienced stigma;
♦ In online dating environments – 60 per cent; and
♦ When dating – 58 per cent.
74 per cent of men polled felt a level of self-stigma – stigma they impose on themselves – nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) felt shame, 56 per cent blamed themselves, while half said they felt guilty.
When asked, unprompted, what words they had heard people use when speaking about HIV, that they found particularly hurtful, the top four were:
♦ AIDS (19 per cent)
♦ Diseased (19 per cent)
♦ Unclean (16 per cent)
♦ Riddled (12 per cent)
91 per cent do not think the public knows the difference between HIV and AIDS. An up-to-date 21st century information campaign and universal testing – making HIV testing the norm in NHS settings – were among the top two efforts respondents felt would be most effective to stop stigma.
Shaun Griffin, Executive Director for External Affairs, THT, said: “We know there is a high prevalence if HIV in our community. Recent media coverage of the condition has reminded us that HIV stigma continues, and myths perpetuate.
“The fact that two-thirds of the men we polled said that stigma was strongest in the gay community really saddens me.
“Start the fightback today – join in with our message of solidarity on social media by taking a selfie with your red ribbon using the hashtag #StopStigma.
“The Stigma Index 2015 survey – the global study of the impact of stigma in people living with HIV – was launched today. The charity will use this to inform and results will strengthen our efforts to tackle the issue.”
London Theatre Director, Andrew Keates, who is living with HIV, said: “HIV positive men on effective medication, taken correctly pose no threat to anyone.
“HIV used to be a death sentence. It shouldn’t be a life sentence of stigma and tolerating ignorance.”
THT volunteers will be at Kings Cross station in London for 12 hours on December 1 with a 7ft x 7ft banner, pop up banners, red ribbons, and props urging the station’s 47,000 daily commuters to take a selfie wearing a red ribbon for stigma.
The charity hopes that people right across the country will take pictures with their red ribbon and tweet @THTorguk with #StopStigma to join the effort.
For a list of Regional World Aids Day events, click here:
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