In Brighton this year, a local resident was refused a medical procedure, a person’s employers made it impossible for them to do their job, and another feels unable to be truthful about their health with their own GP, for no other reason than the fact they are living with HIV.
These are some of the stories made public by the Brighton centre of HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), in a bid to raise awareness of the unacceptably high level of stigma that persists around the condition locally.
THT is calling on people across the city to sign up for its World AIDS Day (December 1st) campaign Stand Up, Stand Out, and raise funds to combat HIV-related stigma locally.
In 2009, a national study reported that over a third of people with HIV had experienced discrimination in the previous year, whether from members of their own community, from doctors or other healthcare professionals, or even from other family members.
Fear of discrimination can have a profound effect on individuals, preventing them from being open about their condition, and inhibiting the open discussion needed to challenge society’s lack of understanding about HIV.
Sue Peters, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the South, said:
“Thirty years on from the beginning of the epidemic, HIV remains surrounded by a level of stigma unmatched by any other medical condition. All over the country, our centres come into contact with people who have been routinely discriminated against, hounded from the workplace, barred from venues and services, disowned by their families, attacked and sometimes seriously hurt, all because they have contracted a virus that can be easily controlled with medication. This needs to change.
“We are calling on Brighton to get behind this year’s World AIDS Day campaign, and help us make a dent in HIV-related stigma locally. You can be as loud and proud as you like, whether its taking on a sponsored challenge, holding a fundraising event, or just buying a red ribbon to show you care. The funds you raise will help us spread the message that people with HIV need support, not judgement.”
For further information on Stand Up, Stand Out, view:
Stand Up Stand Out
To get involved locally, contact THT in Brighton on (01273) 764 200
Or email:
info.brighton@tht.org.uk
View:
MY HIV
THT’s new site for everyone living with HIV in the UK, for accredited information, self management tools, interactive web services and community forums.
Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services.
To make a donation, or to find out about everything that they do view:
THT
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