A new study shows an inordinate percentage of Americans say they wouldn’t feel comfortable interacting with a doctor or barber living with HIV.
A new study shows an inordinate percentage of Americans say they wouldn’t feel comfortable interacting with a doctor or barber living with HIV.
The GLAAD 2021 State of HIV Stigma Study is a national survey in partnership with the Gilead COMPASS Initiative measuring American attitudes toward HIV and people living with HIV.
Check out the original story here: Instinct Magazine.
The study was conducted between January 14, 2021, and January 29, 2021, and surveyed 2,517 U.S. adults 18-years-old or over.
The results show less than half of Americans, 48%, feel knowledgeable about HIV. That’s 3 points lower than a year ago.
That lack of knowledge translates into how comfortable or uncomfortable people are regarding interacting with those living with HIV.
Of the non-LGBTQ people surveyed:
• 53% said they would be uncomfortable interacting with a medical professional who has HIV
• 44% indicated they wouldn’t be comfortable with a barber or hair stylist living with HIV
• 35% said the same about being around a teacher who was HIV positive
The highest level of discomfort was expressed by folks living in the South (54%) and Midwest (54%) parts of the U.S. and notably lower in the Northeast (45%) and the West (45%).
“The Deep South has the highest rates of HIV diagnosis, yet the study reveals that the U.S. South also has some of the highest discomfort levels pertaining to the virus,” reads the foreword to the study. “This is a perfect storm for the perpetuation of misinformation.”
While 64% agreed with the true statement, “Medications exist to protect against contracting HIV,” only 42% seemed aware that “If on proper medication, people with HIV cannot transmit it” is also true.
On a more positive note, 56% of non-LGBTQ respondents said they are aware of seeing more stories about people living with HIV in the media, up from 52% in 2020.
Click over to GLAAD for more details about the survey as well as steps the Gilead COMPASS Initiative is taking to address HIV stigma.
▿
Check out the original story here: Instinct Magazine.
▿
▿
▿
Fun Fact: A study published in 2019 titled “Disintermediating your friends: How online dating in the United States displaces other ways of meeting” found that 65% of gay couples met through dating apps. That doesn’t mean it’s always a good experience, though! This is why we highly recommend premier dating sites like Gay Dating Solutions and My Gay Match.
My Gay Match is a new gay dating site that focuses on matching gay men not only on demographic information but a unique personality measure developed by a psychologist. All members are personally confirmed and carefully screened by their staff to prove that they are real. If you’re looking to find a warm and meaningful connection with interesting and caring singles this is the site for you. The gay dating website is currently offering a free 30-day trial.