In a bold campaign to illustrate the effects of stigmatizing individuals with HIV/AIDS, Casey House Hospital has launched a satirized version of two hit television shows Friends and The Office. In each, one of the main characters has been informed of his positive status. It is a thought provoking awareness campaign that is highly effective and educational, representing actual experiences recorded by everyday folk.
You can view the productions HERE.
I hope you can join Casey House Hospital in their Smash Stigma Campaign this month. #smashstigma focuses around the power of pop culture and how it can impact stigma. For example, Princess Diana holding hands with an HIV+ patient during the AIDS crisis in the 80s, Magic Johnson publicly disclosing his HIV+ status in 1991, and recently, professional rugby player Gareth Thomas revealing he lives with HIV and vowing to help “break the stigma” surrounding the illness.
Casey House Hospital has a number of events planned, including a wonderful dining opportunity on March 3, 4, and 5 called June’s, the world’s first HIV+ Eatery started in 2018. June’s HIV+ Eatery is a thought-provoking dining experience, with a meal prepared by people living with HIV in support of judgement-free care at Casey House. More information and reservations can be made HERE.
