HOW IS HIV/AIDS ASSOCIATED WITH STIGMA?

The stigma of AIDS is nearly as old as AIDS itself. When the epidemic emerged in 1981, it was perceived as a deadly disease that was transmissible from person to person (NASTAD, 2001). Furthermore, AIDS was closely associated with disfavored minority groups and culturally and historically taboo behaviors, such as homosexuality, drug use, and commercial sex work. The combination of these factors led to societal hostility as well as government indifference. Although knowledge of HIV transmission has increased, more than 20 years later stigma still persists. Most notably, the incidence of HIV infection has steadily increased in communities of color, poore