Mark Fisher Shaming and stigma work against people feeling comfortable about getting tested for HIV and taking care of their health, according to national HIV-positive people's peer support and advocacy organisation Body Positive. The comment comes after celebrity actor and serial rake Charlie Sheen was outed for his HIV-positive status, something he has just confirmed in a television interview. “Its unfortunate that Charlie Sheen was publicly outed before his interview today and that others have taken on themselves to publicly shame him," BP's Executive Director says. "This behaviour increases the stigma and shame felt by everyone possibly touched by HIV and increases the fear about getting tested and proactively managing your health. Liz Taylor's message through the US-based LGBT media advocacy organisation GLAAD's campaign, also launched today, is far more affirming: 'Protect yourself, respect yourself, love yourself.'” Referring to historical fear of HIV infection and those who have the virus, Fisher says with modern treatment techniques “there should be no fear around HIV and people should be free to acknowledge their status openly. Attitudes should be similar to those around cancer. Supportive not fearful. Condoms and other biomedical preventions such as adhering to HIV medication prevent the transmission of HIV. But the most important piece is to be open and truthful with your sexual partners to minimize risk.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 18th November 2015 - 12:47pm