UK: 1 in 5 Brits would be ‘uncomfortable’ wearing a World AIDS Day ribbon

One in five Brits say they would feel uncomfortable wearing a ribbon for World AIDS Day – revealing the extent to which stigma, prejudice and fear still surround HIV.

HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust commissioned the YouGov survey of 2,049 people.  The survey found that 20 percent of British adults would feel uncomfortable wearing a red ribbon on this day to show support and raise awareness of HIV.

Shockingly, over a third (34 percent) of these respondents said this was because they wouldn’t want other people to think they have HIV or AIDS.

Just 5 per cent of gay people would feel uncomfortable wearing the ribbon, compared with 22 per cent of heterosexuals. The charity says that this shows much of the stigma that still surrounds people living with HIV/AIDS. Stigma and fear remain key barriers to testing, diagnosis and access to life-saving treatment. Read more via PinkNews