Why Joking About STIs is Harmful: Breaking Down the Stigma
A short list of reasons why joking about STIs is problematic that I’ve repeated this week in my comments and that deserve space on my feed:
1. We all know someone who has an STI, or who has had an STI, or who will have an STI. Whether we realize it or not. People are not as willing to discuss their diagnosis due to the stigma, fear or rejection, and shame.
2. “My friends and I could never have an STI. No way.” There’s actually a really good chance if you and your friends are sexually active that you’ll come in contact with someone with an STI. There’s also a large possibility you’d never know, because the most common symptom is no symptom at all (unlike what you’ve likely been programmed to believe). Similarly, people may not disclose their STI status due to fear of rejection. STIs don’t have a “type.” If you’re having partnered sex, it’s inevitable.
3. What’s the big deal? The big deal is that sharing a post or joke confirms your friend’s narrative of their self-worth. By sharing these jokes or laughing alongside them, you’re removing yourself as a safe support for your friend.
4. “No one wants an STI and so and so is such a shitty person.” I don’t care how awful of a human someone is, no one should be equated to a disease—especially when they’re so common yet carry such a negative stigma. By labeling one person as an STI, you are labeling all people with those same negative qualities of the person you despise.
5. “But my anxiety about testing is real!!” Yeah, it is. But the underling origins of your anxiety are likely rooted in stigma. Why are you afraid? Are you afraid of your future love/sex life? Afraid of what that means about your character? Afraid of disclosing? If “yes,” that’s stigma.
6. “I’m not afraid of testing positive because of stigma I’m afraid because of cost.” This is why you SHOULD care, so that screenings are affordable, accessible, and stigma free.
7. “I have an STI and I think this is funny.” Congrats, sounds like you’ve moved beyond stigma! But sooo many people haven’t. And by asserting your participation in this joke, you’re denying someone else’s reality. It’s not humor, it’s a microaggression.