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THE STIGMA PROJECT
OUR MISSION
The Stigma Project seeks to eliminate
the stigma of HIV/AIDS on a
global scale, through awareness,
art, provocation, education and
by inspiring a spirit of living "HIV
Neutral."
OUR VISION
The Stigma Project seeks to create
an "HIV Neutral" world, free
of judgment, fear, discrimination
and alienation by educating both
positive and negative individuals
from all walks of life about the
constantly evolving state of the
epidemic. We seek to reduce the
HIV infection rate through knowledge,
awareness, and effective
marketing and advertising. Ultimately
we see a future where the
world is free of HIV/AIDS.
 WHAT IS HIV STIGMA?
HIV stigma refers to the HIV related
shame, fear, prejudice,
discrimination and guilt that exist
in the world at large. It affects
the health and well-being of both
HIV-positive and HIV-negative
individuals.
± Referring to HIV as "AIDS."
± Identifying yourself as "clean"
when referring to your HIV status,
or combining drug use with
your HIV status, often referred
to in online personal ads as the
acronym, "DDF."
± Dismissing, discriminating, or
rejecting another individual who
is HIV-positive when they disclose disclose their status.
± Trusting that every sexual partner will be honest in disclosing
their status.
± Perceiving HIV-positive people
to be failures, promiscuous, or
that they “deserved” to become infected with HIV.
± Discussing someone’s HIV status,
whether it is rumor, factual
without their consent or knowledge.
HOW WILL WE REDUCE
STIGMA?
Educational and strategic campaigns
involving social media,
advertising, and pop culturethese
are the primary avenues in
which we will tackle stigma. Not
in a laboratory. Not in a clinic. But
on iPads, televisions, billboards,
in magazines, on the web, and on
your Facebook. Social virility is a
phenomenon that is here to stay.
We are seizing this opportunity
through our use of contemporary
effective graphics and messaging
that the world will want
to share, wear, like, tweet, post,
and toast about.
 WHAT IS HIV NEUTRAL?
“HIV Neutral” is a state of mind,regardless of your status, in which you are informed and aware of the constantly evolving state of HIV/AIDS. Living a “neutral” lifestyle is being a visible advocate in the fight to end
HIV and the stigma that strengthens
it. It is putting emphasis on
the humanity of all people and
not casting judgement because
of their status, positive or negative.
It is standing up, speaking
out and educating others.
Simply put, it is being able to
make informed decisions about
your social and sexual health.
Because HIV is now classified
as a chronic manageable condition,
treatment is now focused
on people living full and healthy
lives.
To truly live “HIV Neutral,”
we must begin shifting towards
a new way of thinking about
HIV/AIDS. Moving away from
thoughts full of death and sadness
and towards thoughts of life
and hope for the future.
OUR TEAM
Chris Richey
Founder & President
Scott McPherson
Founder & Vice President
Michael Eisman
Director of Social Media
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TheStigmaProject.org
Facebook.com/TheStigmaProject
Twitter.com/Stigma_Project
"Reproduced with permission - THE STIGMA PROJECT"
THE STIGMA PROJECT
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