Stigmatization towards HIV/Aids

Who does HIV/Aids affect? Who is affected by stigma?

Gay and bisexual men of all races and ethnicities are the most affected by HIV, men who primarily have intercourse with men may take up 2% of the population, but they make up close to 60% of those infected by the virus. Next comes African Americans, making up 14 percent of the U.S. population they account for 44% of newest infections. Next comes members of the Latinx community who make up 20% of the infected population. All three of these groups are disproportionately affected by the virus as well as stigma, from both inside and outside its community.

When stigmatizing the virus and those that have it, you allow for the buildup of suppression of those affected and cut off places for those affected to go to. The stigma causes discrimination in health care, education, the work place, the justice system, families, and communities. As well as that, those affected by HIV feel a sense of hate within them selves for getting the virus and even when receiving treatment and aid, most have an inner sense of self hatred.