Stigma

For example, there is a stigma attached to having a mental illness, which can make it hard for people to ask for help and support if they are experiencing mental health problems.

HIV is another medical condition which is stigmatised, usually because people lack information about it or they make moral judgements about how someone has contracted HIV. This is because HIV is mainly transmitted through sex and can be linked to activities such as injecting drugs.

Stigma is often borne out of fear and can take many forms including hostility, physical or verbal abuse, or someone being avoided or excluded from activities they used to take part in.

People can experience stigma in any area of their life - within your relationship, family, at work or at places where you socialise such as church, for example. If you experience harassment or abuse of any kind it is important to report this to the police or to contact a domestic violence organisation like Refuge.

Although HIV is prevalent within the gay community, gay men sometimes experience stigma from their peers. You may find that another gay man reacts in way that shocks or offends you when you tell him about your HIV status. If this happens it’s worth remembering that he might not understand much about HIV or he may, like members of wider society, have made a moral judgement about it. In this situation you might decide to talk to him about his views or call THT Direct for help. If he continues to offend you it may be best to walk away.

Sometimes being gay and HIV positive can feel like a ‘double’ stigma, especially if you are not yet open about your sexuality. In this situation, getting some extra support, like counselling or peer supportcan help.

Gay men who have hepatitis C in addition to HIV often experience stigma and rejection from other gay men. Hepatitis C is a relatively new infection which has started to become prevalent among gay men so, again, a lack of information and fear can lead to discrimination. If this happens to you, you could contact THT Direct, use our counselling service or come along to a group where you can meet other men in a similar situation.

You might also find that you stigmatise yourself for having HIV. This can take the form of thinking you are somehow 'dirty' or 'shameful' and that you don’t deserve to have a partner, children, friends or work. Unfortunately this is a common reaction but you may need help to overcome it and move forward with your life. Talking to someone like a counsellor or a Health Trainer can help, or you may want to join a group for people living with HIV.

People living with HIV are protected by the Equality Act 2010 from the time they are diagnosed. This makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against you on grounds of disability.

If you feel you have been stigmatised when you have used a public service, such as healthcare, you can report this or make a complaint. Your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help you to address what has happened.