Exploring Degrees of Herpes Disclosure: From Private to Public
There are varying degrees of herpes disclosure.
Some might prefer to keep their diagnosis on a need-to-know basis (aka, sexual partners and healthcare professionals).
Some might appreciate the close support of a friend.
Some may feel comfortable and empowered sharing with mentors in their places of worship, family, or other shared spaces.
Others might prefer to be protected by almost-anonymity. AKA, you disclose on a dating app, but don’t give someone all of your identifying information (like a last name). Or you’re public on Instagram, but writing under a pseudonym. Or maybe you are open on your personal, private page. Any of these could be screenshot by someone, but they likely could not be googled.
There are many advocates who choose public disclosure, which means if you Google their name, you’ll likely find an identifier about herpes.
None of these are right or wrong, and there are various benefits and costs to all of these situations (be sure to check out my collab with @brosandproseabout public disclosure).
Ultimately, you have to find what works for you, but it’s also important to reflect on how the costs of disclosing in more public spaces might outweigh the benefits—especially when it comes to your safety.