HIV & AIDS

Understanding the early stigma around HIV/AIDS

The stigma around HIV/AIDS in the 80s and 90s was based on fear, says Frank Spinelli, MD. He explains this fear and why some men would rather die than be known as HIV-positive.


LearnInfectionsHIV and AIDSUnderstanding the early stigma around HIV/AIDS

Up Next

  • What are some of the challenges with HIV research today?

  • The importance of representation in destigmatizing HIV

  • Being diagnosed with HIV

  • How to empower yourself with your HIV care

  • Why did the sense of urgency with the HIV/AIDS movement dissipate?

  • Is HIV a manageable chronic disease?

  • My story: Maria and HIV

  • How this black, trans woman had to find advocacy & fight stigma with her HIV

  • The importance of HIV and sexual health resources for transgender individuals

  • How young poc with HIV can advocate for themselves

Up Next

  • What are some of the challenges with HIV research today?

  • The importance of representation in destigmatizing HIV

  • Being diagnosed with HIV

  • How to empower yourself with your HIV care

  • Why did the sense of urgency with the HIV/AIDS movement dissipate?

  • Is HIV a manageable chronic disease?

  • My story: Maria and HIV

  • How this black, trans woman had to find advocacy & fight stigma with her HIV

  • The importance of HIV and sexual health resources for transgender individuals

  • How young poc with HIV can advocate for themselves

AskMDAskMD

Questions about HIV & AIDS?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

Living with two viruses may affect treatment.

Managing HIV while also managing Hep C
Article

Learn about ways STIs affect the sexes differently, plus get tips on prevention.

Surprising ways STIs affect the sexes differently
Slideshow

The benefits of networking with other people with HIV, and tips to protect your privacy online.

Finding an HIV support group online
Article

TSS is extremely rare—and doesn’t always involve tampons. Here’s what you need to know.

Can leaving in your tampon too long cause toxic shock?
Article

Learn how another person’s poop can help treat a common, dangerous illness.

How fecal microbiota therapies help to cure infection
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.