HIV Stigma is Yours to Change

I’m not a follower of American Idol (I’ll confess I prefer Survivor if I’m watching “reality” TV), but I couldn’t help but notice the big news that came out of the American Idol Gives Back fundraiser last week. Apparently Annie Lennox wore a t-shirt that says HIV Positive. The coverage was quick to point out that everyone can relax, because she’s not. My reaction was, so what if she is? And that’s  her point. 

Lennox has stated she wears the shirt to bring attention to the stigma that HIV carries. And she’s spot on about it, whether it’s in an African community or here in Canada. I’ve learned in working with women who have HIV, stigma is a star player that always takes its turn, affecting confidence, relationships and life paths after diagnosis. Women who are surprised to find themselves receiving an HIV diagnosis (often surprising their doctors too ) can be afraid to disclose their status to friends lest they lose them, the stigma of HIV is so daunting.  

HIV is one of many sexually transmitted infections, and it doesn’t have to be stigmatized. That’s a choice we make in our attitudes, interactions, choices. It’s a choice we make in how we talk about sexuality, sexual health, and sexual relationships. 

If Annie Lennox wearing her HIV Positive shirt gets you thinking about how people with HIV are treated, that’s great. If it gets you thinking about getting tested yourself, also great. As an awareness campaign of Kenneth Cole stated a couple of years ago, “We all have AIDS.” 

- Janet

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