Approaching STI Stigma with Curiosity: A Guide for Advocates, Educators, and Students
A little something for advocates, educators, and students, alike! ✨
If you’re new to the concept of STI and/or herpes stigma, I encourage you to approach the subject matter with curiosity rather than judgement. Ask yourself questions like, “Where did I first hear about STIs?” and “What was being said about STIs from these sources?”
From here, one can see where these beliefs stemmed from and begin the lengthy, often uncomfortable, process of unlearning.
Advocates and educators can be quick to blame those who are not as evolved of educated in their thinking around STIs. The truth is, these are the ideal students: this discomfort is where the shift happens. We have to embrace and meet our students here to make meaningful change.
I was once that student, too. Until life confronts us with a moment of truth—an STI diagnosis, a friend receiving an STI diagnosis, a partner sharing their status, or even an educator providing resources to reduce transmission rather than avoid folks with STIs—we all hold onto some kind of social stigma around STIs.
It’s bringing our awareness to and accepting the stigma’s existence, history, and relevant facts versus socialization that we can move forward and create a more comprehensive and educated narrative around STIs, rather than be complicit in what we’ve been taught.