East New York
Viral Load Leaders Project
Session 6
Stigma and Disclosure
We Will Talk About:
• What HIV stigma is and where it comes from
• What disclosure involves and how stigma affects it
• How to handle disclosure
• Ways to address HIV stigma
“I don’t
used
to
think
that
people
with
were
and
deserved
what
live with
HIV.
It
feels
like
hiding
something
from
the
rest of Ithe
turn
around
and
tell
themHIV
I am
HIVdirty
positive
because
know
“Sometimes,
I just
want
to
be
myself
without
HIV.
Before
I was
open,
they
got.
I
was
devastated
when
I
found
out
that
I
had
HIV.
became
world,
not
being
able
to
share
a
piece
of
your
life
and
who
I
am,
what their reaction would be.”
but
nowadays,
I’m
closed.
I’m
closing
my
‘doors
and
windows.’”
one
‘those’
people.”
evenofwith
my family.”
HIV Stigma: What It Is
HIV-related stigma refers to negative beliefs, feelings and
attitudes towards people living with HIV, their families and
people who Where
work with
doesthem
HIV .stigma come from?
Disclosure
Let’s Discuss
What are some good ways to handle disclosure?
Standing Up
to Stigma
• Challenge attitudes,
beliefs, and behaviors
• Avoid using language that
stigmatizes othersHow do we handle HIV stigma?
• Talk about your
experiences
• Understand your rights
• Know the facts about HIV
• Support each other
Questions & Answers