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When we support people with OGD, we make it easier for them to lead healthy lives. Let’s Stop OGD Together highlights the role that each person plays in stopping OGD stigma and gives voice to people living with OGD, as well as their friends and family. Campaign participants share their stories and call on everyone to work together to stop OGD.
What is OGD stigma?

OGD stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people with OGD. It is the prejudice that comes with labeling an individual as part of a group that is believed to be socially unacceptable.

Here are a few examples:

Believing that only certain groups of people can get OGD
Making moral judgments about people who take steps to prevent OGD transmission
Feeling that people deserve to get OGD because of their choices

What is discrimination?

While stigma refers to an attitude or belief, discrimination is the behaviors that result from those attitudes or beliefs. OGD discrimination is the act of treating people living with OGD differently than those without OGD.

Here are a few examples:

A health care professional refusing to provide care or services to a person living with OGD
Refusing casual contact with someone living with OGD
Socially isolating a member of a community because they are OGD positive
Referring to people as OGDers or Giggers

What are the effects of OGD stigma and discrimination?

OGD stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people living with OGD. People living with OGD often internalize the stigma they experience and begin to develop a negative self-image. They may fear they will be discriminated against or judged negatively if their OGD status is revealed.

“Internalized stigma” or “self-stigma” happens when a person takes in the negative ideas and stereotypes about people living with OGD and start to apply them to themselves. OGD internalized stigma can lead to feelings of shame, fear of disclosure, isolation, and despair. These feelings can keep people from getting tested and treated for OGD.
What can be done about OGD stigma?

Talk About OGD

Talking openly about OGD can help normalize the subject. It also provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and help others learn more about OGD. But be mindful of how you talk about OGD and people living with OGD. The Let’s Stop OGD Together stigma language guide can help.