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Introducing PUSH!
What would you do if someone disclosed to you that they are living with HIV?
Do you feel uncomfortable at the thought of interacting with a person who is living with HIV?
What messages/information have you heard about HIV and AIDS?
HIV stigma remains a significant barrier to health equity, especially in the Southern United States, where unique cultural, social, and systemic factors shape the lived experiences of those affected. PUSH (People Understanding Stigma and HIV), is our newest program reaching the broader population to dispel myths about HIV and bust stigma.
PUSH is following in the footsteps of our previous HIV stigma program, PATHS, which focused on providing training to mental health professionals in the Southern United States. With our new initiative PUSH, we are expanding our programming to make it available for everyone!
(SAC, 2022)
The El Paso/ West Texas region continues to see new cases of HIV, especially among young transgender women and Latinx people of all genders. The effects of COVID and increased state hostility to HIV-prevention activities and comprehensive sex education have significantly weakened efforts to lessen HIV infection rates. El Paso is uniquely positioned as a border community to offer perspective and voices which are often left out of the discussion. Other communities of color in the South are also often left out of the discussion. By focusing this project on the Southern states, we aim to elevate those voices and address the challenges of intersectionality and compounding bias and stigma.
The PUSH program is made possible through funding and collaboration with:
What is Stigma Exactly?
Stigma is the labeling and stereotyping of a characteristic or trait that is deemed immoral, shameful, or otherwise undesirable. This is a powerful social process which leads to bias, exclusion, devaluation, and discrimination. Stigma is a primary cause of population health inequalities. (Foundation for Healthcare Equality).
When you read "HIV", what comes to mind? Do you envision any physical traits of the individual or social characteristics? What about sexuality? Hygiene? The types of relationships the individual engages in? Or, what about how intelligent or honest the person is? What assumptions do you make? Where do those assumptions come from?
Here's another important question...Do you really know what HIV is?
The United States has a long and sad history of stigmatizing HIV and AIDS, tying them directly to the LGBTQ+ community with harmful narratives. Take a look at the videos below to learn more about what HIV is, and the stigma that surrounds people living with HIV.
What is HIV?
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HIV impacting communities of color
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Did you know that HIV stigma actually INCREASED in the United States in some areas between 2022 and 2023? Discomfort interacting with those living with HIV increased vs. 2022 for interactions with hairstylists, teacher and co-worker. Professions where we have been separated from each other due to COVID. The South has higher discomfort levels in these areas than other regions of the country. (GLAAD State of HIV Stigma Report, 2023)
You can make a difference in addressing HIV stigma, and contribute to a society where people can get tested, find treatment, and live long full filling lives without the socially constructed obstacles associated with stigma.
JOIN US!
Register for PUSH
Are you reading to take the training?
Our PUSH webinar is happening monthly!
This training designed to deepen your understanding of HIV stigma, intersectionality, and the impact of personal bias. This 1.5 hr webinar is facilitated by Jonathan Kennedy, a community member with decades of experience educating and training individuals and healthcare professionals in the areas of HIV and sex education within LGBTQ and Latino/a/x communities, and is co-facilitated by Dr. Hilda Ontiveros, PhD.
Participants will:
Define key terms and concepts related to HIV stigma.
Explore the role of intersectionality in shaping the experiences of people living with HIV.
Examine personal biases and their influence on stigma.
Analyze the broader impact of stigma on HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
Learn actionable strategies to combat stigma and support individuals living with HIV.
Join us as we work together to PUSH for change, and a stigma-free future.
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