HIV Anti-Stigma Campaign

HIV-related stigma and discrimination remains the foremost obstacle to effectively fighting the AIDS pandemic. It is estimated that one quarter of those living with HIV in Sonoma County do not know that they are infected, and half of all new infections are transmitted by people who do not know their HIV status and thus unwittingly pass on the disease to others. HIV-stigma keeps people from being tested, and keeps many who are already living with HIV from getting the care, compassion, and support they need and deserve. The Campaign Plan For the week of November 3-9, 2013, anti-stigma campaign participants will wear a T-shirt that reads, "Does this T-shirt make me look HIV+?" The back of the shirt will carry this message: "Not Positive? Get Tested." We will ask wearers to post photos of themselves in the T-shirt on our Facebook page (FB/gettestedsonoma) and distribute educational materials as is fitting.