Exploring How STI Stigma Impacts Different Relationship Types
The research that I’ve been translating from text to graphic investigates/proposes three (3) types of relationships that are impacted by STI stigma.
1. Relationships in which one partner acquires herpes during the relationship.
2. Relationships in which one partner acquired herpes prior to the relationship.
3. Relationships in which both partners have the same type of herpes.
In considering my last post about the broad spectrum of relationships that we experience, what’s missing from these three types? Whose stories aren’t being told?
While the focus is more on sexual relationships and partners, we can expand how stigma impacts our relationships with family and friends (disclosing still isn’t necessarily easy in these situations!!). I’d love to see a study investigate the experiences of non-monogamous couples and their partners, “casual” sexual partners, and even affairs. These relationships all come with their own sets of boundaries, and stigma likely impacts each a little differently.
What other relationships come to mind?