Thursday, September 28, 2023

Tell HIV Stigma: Stay in Your Lane

By: Brandon M. Macsata, CEO, ADAP Advocacy Association

****Important Support Resources Included****

Recently, I posted some commentary on my personal Twitter handle (@Purple_Strategy) noting an observed uptick in HIV stigma in the gay dating world. Gay dating apps are notorious for it. Likely, it isn't limited to the dating space, evidenced by a recent report issued by GLAAD, as well as subsequent commentary in private conversations and social shares highlighting examples of HIV stigma. It is very rare for me to interject my personal life's situations into ADAP Advocacy's daily advocacy and public policy activities, but it is vitally important to combat such stigma whenever possible. Frankly, HIV stigma has no place in my life and thus it needs to stay in its lane.

Tweet: "Lately, I can say from my experience in the gay dating world there is also an uptick in guys uncomfortable dating poz guys. 3:5 last few guys I was talking to all abruptly ended our chatting / dating once I disclosed."

I'm a Taurus; we're pretty confident. I'm Italian; we're tough as nails. You hit me; I hit you ten times harder. But not everyone is like me. These recent dating rejections surrounding my status (undetectable, since 2004) weren't the first experiences with HIV stigma, and I know they won't be the last of them. But I can honestly say that I've taken them with a grain of salt. And now, U=U (undetectable equals untrabnsmittable) and fine work being done by Prevention Access Campaign and U=U plus has changed the national conversation.

BUT! Not everyone is a stubborn bull like me. I've had countless conversations with friends and colleagues, whereby their personal "run-ins" with HIV stigma really hurt them. It hurt their feelings, self-confidence, pride, and dare I even say, their self-worth. It has always bothered me on a very deep level seeing them struggle to cope with the ugliness that is HIV stigma.

Fighting HIV stigma won't come easily. According to GLAAD's 2023 State of HIV Stigma Report, only half of the respondents indicated they're "knowledgable" about HIV. Whereas GenX is considered most "knowledgable" about HIV, still one in four don't fall into that designation. What is most troubling is the trend line is going in the wrong direction on the general publics' comfortability interacting with people living with HIV—especially among certain professionals such as barbers or hair stylists, and teachers. Interacting with co-workers living with HIV is now problematic for 1:3 respondents.

Americans’ discomfort interacting with those living with HIV increased vs. 2022 for interactions with hairstylists, teacher and co-worker. Professions where we have been separated from each other due to COVID. The South has higher discomfort levels in these areas than other regions of the country. A majority of Americans believe a stigma around HIV still exists This number has remained stable year over year. More Americans believe the false claim that HIV mostly impacts LGBTQ people Anyone can contract HIV, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Yet, more Americans this year believe the fasle claim that HIV mostly impacts LGBTQ poeple, calling for the need for more awareness, education, and stories of poeple living with HIV thriving, and living long, healthy lives. Significant decreases year over year that everyone should be tested for HIV in their lifetime According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nearly 40% of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who don’t know they have the virus. GLAAD’s Invisible People report examined the impacts of COVID-19 on prevention, testing and treatment in the United States. In it, we detail how HIV testing rates were greatly reduced during the stay-at-home order period in 2020. Annual wellness visits declined during COVID Research showed delays and deferments of care during COVID, particularly among African Americans and people with chronic health conditions. As annual health screenings resume post-COVID, it’s possible Americans are prioritizing other screenings and testing as opposed to HIV testing. It’s important to keep the focus and awareness on testing as another important measure of prevention. Annual wellness visits declined during COVID COVID-19 impact on HIV cure/treatment Relatedly, regarding cure and treatment, our research shows more than 4 in 10 Americans believe COVID has stalled advancements. COVID-19 impact on HIV cure-treatment U.S. HIV and STD Criminalization Laws 2022 Accoding to the CDC, there are currently 35 states that criminalize HIV exposure. After more than 40 years of HIV research and significant biomedical advancements to treat and prevent HIV transmission, many state laws are now outdated and do note reflect our current understanding of HIV. 80% of Americans agree with criminalizing non-disclosure HIV status This further stigmatizes and discriminates against people living with HIV. Accessibility of information and education on HIV is key Having easily accessible information on HIV and methods of HIV prevention taught in schools is of high importance to Americans. These numbers have remained high year over year, pointing to a knowledge gap and a desire to have more readily available information on HIV in communities and schools. Methodology The 2023 State of HIV Stigma Study was conducted through an online survey in February 2023 among a sample of 2,533 U.S. adults 18+. The sample was sourced and aggregated through CINT, who has the world’s largest consumer network for digital survey-based research. The Table of Contents Introduction from Sarah Kate Ellis Key Findings Stable knowledge of HIV year over year Continued understanding of PreP benefits Gen X is the most knowledgeable about HIV Headline here about age of diagnosis in 2020 More Americans have seen stories about real people living with HIV in media this year TV and movies are the biggest platforms for seeing stories about people living with HIV Comfortability interacting with people living with HIV has changed year over year in a few professions A majority of Americans believe a stigma around HIV still exists More Americans belive the false claim that HIV mostly impacts LGBTQ people Significant decreases year over year that everyone should be tested for HIV in their lifetime Annual wellness visits declined during COVID-19 COVID-19 impact on HIV cure and treatment U.S. HIV and STD Criminalization Laws 2022 80% of Americans agree with criminalizing non-disclosure HIV status Accessibility of information and education on HIV is key Methodology Download the full publication in PDF format. To view last year’s 2022 State of HIV Stigma Study click here. To view the 2021 State of HIV Stigma Study click here. To view the 2020 State of HIV Stigma Study click here. Prev PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Advertising Visibility Index 2023 NEXT PUBLICATION 2023 Studio Responsibility Index Next MORE PUBLICATIONS 2023 Studio Responsibility Index September 14, 2023 Read More 2023 State of HIV Stigma Report September 6, 2023 Read More Advertising Visibility Index 2023 June 20, 2023 Read More Social Media Safety Index 2023 June 15, 2023 Read More Book Bans – A Guide for Community Response and Action June 6, 2023 Read More Accelerating Acceptance 2023 June 1, 2023 Read More View All SHARE THIS OUR PICKS “Schitt’s Creek’s” Emily Hampshire Competes on Celebrity Jeopardy to Raise Money for GLAAD! 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Photo Source: GLAAD, 2023

It is 2023, and we're still dealing with 1993 attitudes (pre-HAART). I truly believe that there is plenty of fight left in all of us. I also believe that we are in this fight together, so I felt compelled to share some helpful resources available to my fellow POZ folks who might be coping with HIV stigma:

(email info@adapadvocacy.org if you wish to recommend a resource be added above)

Life is hard enough without having to confront stigma, simply over sero status. HIV stigma says more about the people dishing it out, and less about defining who you are. We have the tools to keep HIV stigma in its lane. There are over a million of us POZ folks in the United States, so remember that you're not alone and there are resources available!

Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates.
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