STIGMA THAT’S STUCK IN THE 80’S
You might be wondering how you can address an issue as complex as HIV stigma. But there are many small things you can do that will make a big difference.
If each of us commits to making positive changes in our families and communities, we can help end HIV stigma and work to stop HIV together.
Stigma Language Guide: Know how talk about HIV to avoid stigma.
The words we use matter. Keep in mind that:
- When talking about HIV, certain words and language may have a negative meaning for people at high risk for HIV or those who have HIV.
- We can do our part to stop HIV stigma by being intentional and thoughtful when choosing our words, and choosing to use supportive—rather than stigmatizing— language when talking about HIV.
Consider using the preferred terms below to avoid promoting stigma and misinformation around HIV. You can also download this chart pdf to share with others.
