What is AIDS?
AIDS is a retrovirus caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) that may eventually lead to death. It is mainly spread by unprotected sexual contact, from mother to child throughout pregnancy, or exposure to infected bodily fluids or tissues. While there is no cure currently, AIDS can be treated to reduce symptoms and prolong life expectancy.
A history
The virus was discovered in 1981, first appearing in injected drug users and gay men. Many stigmatizing terms were coined by the CDC for this disease, such as the “4H” disease and “GRID”. 4H was used as AIDS seemed to affect heroin users, homosexuals, hemophiliacs, and Haitians. The term GRID stood for gay-related immune deficiency, coined by the belief that AIDS was isolated to the gay community. The name AIDS was finally introduced in 1982, and the CDC officially began using this name.
Why is there so much stigma?
The stigma around HIV and AIDS exists for many complicated reasons. Many people do not know enough about it or only know incorrect/outdated facts. Many of these false facts are about how HIV and AIDS are transmitted. However, the stigma, in itself, is all based on a fear of contracting these diseases. When we do not fully understand something and are scared, we run away from it and reject it. As a result, infected individuals are rejected by society and isolated.
Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community has experienced (and still does) discrimination due to the AIDS epidemic. Many believed that this disease only affected the community because men who have sex with men (MSM) have been particularly affected by HIV/AIDS.
What are the results of this stigma?
Due to the stigma surrounding the AIDS epidemic, people with AIDS often experience self-hate due to their HIV/AIDS status. This same self-hate/fear can apply to gay people, for fear of contracting the disease. The hatred towards people with STDs can also make people with HIV/AIDS hesitant to receive treatment or seek help.
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