The Illinois Alliance for Sound AIDS Policy ( IL ASAP ) , a project of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) , has launched a year-long anti-stigma t-shirt campaign to confront the stigma and silence associated with HIV. The campaign invites participants both HIV-positive and HIV-negativeto purchase and wear a t-shirt embossed with the label "HIV POSITIVE" and then to share their experiences via Facebook.
"HIV/AIDS-related stigma is one of the primary barriers to curbing the spread of HIV," said AFC President /CEO David Ernesto Munar. "People are afraid to get tested, know their status and seek treatment for fear of what might happen if others find out they are HIV-positive."
Approximately 1.1 million Americans live with HIV46,000 in Illinois and 30,000 in Chicago. Twenty-one percent of Americans with HIV do not know they are infected. And an estimated 56,000 Americans become infected with HIV annuallythat's one every 9-1/2 minutes.
T-shirts are $12 each or two for $20 and may be purchased at www.aidschicago.org/ilasap. Proceeds will go to the Illinois Alliance for Sound AIDS Policy, a network of AIDS advocates from across the state who are leading the fight against the epidemic. After purchasing a t-shirt, campaign participants are encouraged to upload pictures, video and details of their experience on the campaign's Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/tshirtcampaign.
The campaign was inspired by IL ASAP member Arick Buckles who saw the affects of stigma first-hand in his work as a community outreach worker.
"My job is to connect with people who are HIV-positive, but have neglected to start treatment," Buckles explained. "I was touched by the fact that these people were so affected by stigma that they would choose to be sick, debilitated or die rather than interact with HIV service providers and somehow have their HIV status revealed to their community. It's insane, and I knew I had to do something about it."
Learn more about the HIV Anti-Stigma T-shirt Campaign at: aidschicago.org/advocacy-home/il-asap. Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS.