HIV-positive people share experiences of stigma ahead of march, rally and vigil
Those living with HIV have taken to social media to share examples of the discrimination they’ve faced because of their status ahead of a march, vigil and rally being held in London to challenge stigma.
The experiences were shared in response to a tweet from Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, which asked HIV-positive people to share an “example of HIV-related stigma you’ve faced.” “I was told I was not eligible for income protection insurance because of my health status (despite never taking any extended periods of sick leave in my entire life),” said actor, playwright and activist Nathaniel Hall.
Andrew Bates, an occupational therapist living in London, wrote that he was asked if he had been “naughty” after sharing his HIV status during a GP appointment. “#FightHIVStigma and the rhetoric that because you are living with HIV, you have done something wrong,” he continued. READ MORE: 5 leading politicians on ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030 Before receiving their COVID-19 vaccination, Ana de Oliveira explained that they were asked if they had any health conditions.
When they replied that they have HIV, the nurse questioned this and told Ana they didn’t “look sick”. Ian Green OBE, the former CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust, said he has “so many examples” – particularly in a healthcare setting.
