You deserve to be treated with dignity.
Recognising stigma. Finding a next step.
Have you been made to feel less worthy because of who you are or your circumstances?
Stigma occurs when a label is used to devalue a person. It can relate to health, origin, gender, sexuality, work or homelessness.
A label does not define you
Having HIV or hepatitis, being a migrant or trans, doing sex work or experiencing homelessness does not diminish your dignity.
[1, 3, 4]
Prejudices are preconceived ideas
Making assumptions about you can lead to rejection. A belief about a group does not describe your story.
[1, 4]
Discrimination affects how you are treated
Insults, exclusion or unjustified barriers can be signs. Each situation needs to be understood in its own context.
[1, 2]
You can set a boundary
If it feels safe, say: ‘I want you to speak to me respectfully’ or ‘I would prefer to speak in private’.
[1, 3]
Seek support of your choosing
You can ask a trusted person, a community organisation or a health or social care professional for help.
[1, 2]
Record what happened if it helps
Keep dates, messages or documents safely. Seek advice before deciding what to do. You do not have to make a formal complaint.
[1]
You do not have to face it alone.
If rejection has made you feel ashamed, it does not mean you are worth less. Your wellbeing and your choices matter.
A conversation starter: what would help you feel heard and safe?
Sources and further information
- [1] Ministry of Health · Social Pact (2018) (opens another tab) ↗
Equality, dignity, privacy and response to stigma associated with HIV. Commitment framework, not a law.
- [3] SEISIDA · HIV-friendly words (2023) (opens another tab) ↗
Person-centered language, treatment preferences and consultation environment. Biomedical data are compared with WHO.
- [4] UNAIDS / UNAIDS · Terminology (2024) (opens another tab) ↗
Avoid labels, assumptions and stigmatizing language.
- [2] Ministry of Health · Stigma experience (2024) (opens another tab) ↗
Experiences of stigma, support and confidentiality in people with HIV in Spain. Non-probabilistic sample; No figures are transferred to the brochure nor are they generalized to other groups.
The messages of support and phrases to act are editorial proposals from stigma.info, consistent with the rights approach. They are not textual quotes or legal instructions from the Covenant. The broad listing of situations is an inclusive approach to the booklet; not attributed to the HIV study sample.
Professional, community and language review pending.
Edition: 18/10/2026
Contact: Antonio Martín · MOBHOPE · antonio.martin@iisgm.com
Do not send diagnoses or personal documents to this address.
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