{"id":840565,"date":"2023-09-06T08:58:13","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T12:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glaad.org\/?post_type=publication&p=840565"},"modified":"2023-11-29T11:45:13","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T16:45:13","slug":"2023-state-of-hiv-stigma-report","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/glaad.org\/endhivstigma\/2023\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 State of HIV Stigma Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction from Sarah Kate Ellis<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is the fourth year that GLAAD, in partnership with the <\/span>Gilead COMPASS Initiative\u00ae<\/span><\/a>, is releasing data tracking Americans\u2019 knowledge and attitudes around HIV and HIV stigma. We have noted continued progress in important areas including awareness that medications exist to prevent HIV and treat HIV to the point of becoming undetectable and therefore untransmittable (U=U). This recognition is critical to the national goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year, for the first time, we noted an alarming generation gap. Gen Z, the youngest generation in population surveys, is the most diverse and most out LGBTQ generation in history. According to our study, Gen Z is also the least knowledgeable about HIV.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Members of Gen X are nearly twice as knowledgeable about HIV than Gen Z. It is perhaps not surprising since Gen Xers like me came of age in the earliest days of HIV\/AIDS and witnessed the horror of millions of lives lost amid rampant homophobia, ignorance, and neglect in our government and in the media. Despite decades of scientific and medical advances chronicling people living long and healthy lives with HIV, stigma about HIV and discriminatory efforts to criminalize people with HIV remain entrenched. To this day, our study shows, more Americans inaccurately believe HIV mostly affects LGBTQ people, when the truth is, anyone can contract HIV.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rising visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ people is part of the solution, as is taking action against ongoing threats to everyone\u2019s health, safety, and freedoms. Fringe extremists are working overtime to spread disinformation and encourage violence against LGBTQ people. They are proposing bans on essential health care for transgender people, stripping access to abortion and all reproductive care, and banning books and free speech in classrooms. Draconian funding cuts to HIV prevention and treatment programs are woven into this truly dangerous extremist agenda.<\/span><\/p>\n

We urgently need to accelerate bridging all the gaps \u2014 generational, knowledge, empathy and understanding \u2014 to end HIV. We must tap the talents and conscience of all generations, especially Gen Z, and engage their proven commitment to racial justice, LGBTQ equality and diversity in all forms, as well as to the environment, and to our democracy. Attention in all of these areas is crucial to ending HIV.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our study showed more people reported seeing stories in the media about HIV and people living with HIV. We need to see many more. As classrooms increasingly become political battlegrounds, accurate, lifesaving information must reach young people through news and entertainment, as well as through our own stories we share.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GLAAD\u2019s 2023 State of HIV Stigma Study <\/span><\/i>is one chapter in a story that spans generations. As you read this report, we hope you are moved to share what you have learned and add to your own stories. Ending HIV should be every generation\u2019s lasting achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"GLAAD<\/p>\n

State of HIV Stigma Study<\/h1>\n

Key Findings<\/h3>\n

The findings track progress against HIV stigma, transmission and prevention of HIV, and attitudes and knowledge of people living with HIV in the United States.<\/p>\n

Stable knowledge of HIV year over year<\/b><\/h3>\n

We continue to see stability in the percent of Americans that are knowledgeable about HIV.\u00a0 Only 3% say they are not aware of HIV.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Gen X is the most knowledgeable about HIV<\/b><\/h3>\n

While over 60% of Gen X say they are knowledgeable about HIV, only 34% of Gen Z adults say the same.\u00a0 There is a need to educate and raise awareness and knowledge of HIV among Gen Z.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Continued understanding of PrEP benefits<\/b><\/h3>\n

For the second consecutive year, more Americans believe there are medications today that can protect against contracting HIV.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Continued<\/p>\n


\nNew HIV diagnosis by age group in 2020<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

More Americans have seen stories about real people living with HIV in media this year<\/b><\/h3>\n

Anywhere in media, Americans say they are seeing more stories about real people living with HIV, with particular year over year increases seen in Gen X and Non-LGBTQ adults.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

TV and movies are the biggest platforms for seeing stories about people living with HIV<\/b><\/h3>\n

GLAAD\u2019s <\/span>Where We Are On TV<\/span><\/i> <\/a>report found an increase in the number of characters living with HIV in the 2022-23 season, although none of these characters is set to return next year. With restrictions that give young adults and viewers less accurate information regarding HIV and restrict access to affordable care, entertainment can continue to be a source of widespread education, learning, and understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Comfortability interacting with people living with HIV has changed year over year in a few professions<\/b><\/h3>\n

Americans\u2019 discomfort interacting with those living with HIV increased vs. 2022 for interactions with hairstylists, teacher and co-worker.\u00a0 Professions where we have been separated from each other due to COVID.\u00a0 The South has higher discomfort levels in these areas than other regions of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A majority of Americans believe a stigma around HIV still exists<\/b><\/h3>\n

This number has remained stable year over year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

More Americans believe that HIV mostly impacts LGBTQ people<\/h3>\n

More Americans believe that HIV mostly impacts LGBTQ people, which is stigmatizing because anyone can contract HIV, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This illustrates the need for more awareness, education, and stories of people living with HIV thriving, and living long, healthy lives.
\n*This section has been updated to reflect differing interpretations about original phrasing in this report. Anyone can contract HIV, not just LGBTQ people. When HIV is viewed as a virus acquired only by LGBTQ people, it contributes to stigma and can harm HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Significant decreases year over year that everyone should be tested for HIV in their lifetime\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to the <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a> nearly 40% of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who don\u2019t know they have the virus.\u00a0 <\/span>GLAAD\u2019s Invisible People<\/span><\/i><\/a> report examined the impacts of COVID-19 on prevention, testing and treatment in the United States.\u00a0 In it, we detail how HIV testing rates were greatly reduced during the stay-at-home order period in 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Annual wellness visits declined during COVID<\/b><\/h3>\n

Research<\/span><\/a> showed delays and deferments of care during COVID, particularly among African Americans and people with chronic health conditions.\u00a0 As annual health screenings resume post-COVID, it\u2019s possible Americans are prioritizing other screenings and testing as opposed to HIV testing.\u00a0 It\u2019s important to keep the focus and awareness on testing as another important measure of prevention.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Annual<\/p>\n

COVID-19 impact on HIV cure\/treatment<\/b><\/h3>\n

Relatedly, regarding cure and treatment, our research shows more than 4 in 10 Americans believe COVID has stalled advancements.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"COVID-19<\/p>\n

U.S. HIV and STD Criminalization Laws 2022<\/b><\/h3>\n

Accoding to the <\/span>CDC<\/span><\/a>, there are currently 35 states that criminalize HIV exposure. After more than 40 years of HIV research and significant biomedical advancements to treat and prevent HIV transmission, many state laws are now outdated and do note reflect our current understanding of HIV.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

80% of Americans agree with criminalizing non-disclosure HIV status<\/b><\/h3>\n

This further stigmatizes and discriminates against people living with HIV.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0Accessibility of information and education on HIV is key<\/b><\/h3>\n

Having easily accessible information on HIV and methods of HIV prevention taught in schools is of high importance to Americans. These numbers have remained high year over year, pointing to a knowledge gap and a desire to have more readily available information on HIV in communities and schools.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Methodology<\/b><\/h3>\n

The 2023 State of HIV Stigma Study was conducted through an online survey in February 2023 among a sample of 2,533 U.S. adults 18+. The sample was sourced and aggregated through CINT, who has the world\u2019s largest consumer network for digital survey-based research.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Table of Contents<\/b><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Introduction from Sarah Kate Ellis<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Key Findings<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Stable knowledge of HIV year over year<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Continued understanding of PreP benefits<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Gen X is the most knowledgeable about HIV<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Headline here about age of diagnosis in 2020<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. More Americans have seen stories about real people living with HIV in media this year<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. TV and movies are the biggest platforms for seeing stories about people living with HIV<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Comfortability interacting with people living with HIV has changed year over year in a few professions<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. A majority of Americans believe a stigma around HIV still exists<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. More Americans believe that HIV mostly impacts LGBTQ people<\/li>\n
  12. Significant decreases year over year that everyone should be tested for HIV in their lifetime\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  13. Annual wellness visits declined during COVID-19<\/span><\/li>\n
  14. COVID-19 impact on HIV cure and treatment<\/span><\/li>\n
  15. U.S. HIV and STD Criminalization Laws 2022<\/span><\/li>\n
  16. 80% of Americans agree with criminalizing non-disclosure HIV status<\/span><\/li>\n
  17. Accessibility of information and education on HIV is key<\/span><\/li>\n
  18. Methodology<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Download the full publication in PDF format<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    To view last year\u2019s 2022 State of HIV Stigma Study click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    To view the 2021 State of HIV Stigma Study click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    To view the 2020 State of HIV Stigma Study click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Introduction from Sarah Kate Ellis This is the fourth year that GLAAD, in partnership with the Gilead COMPASS Initiative\u00ae, is releasing data tracking Americans\u2019 knowledge and attitudes around HIV and HIV stigma. We have noted continued progress in important areas including awareness that medications exist to prevent HIV and treat HIV to the point of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":465,"featured_media":841166,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[139336,138757,138760],"tags":[],"publications":[138425,139353],"ppma_author":[139054],"class_list":{"0":"post-840565","1":"publication","2":"type-publication","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"category-hiv","7":"category-reports","8":"category-state-of-hiv-stigma-report","9":"publications-general","10":"publications-state-of-hiv-stigma-report"},"aioseo_notices":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t