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STIs: Stigma

Stigma refers to feelings like shame, disgust, or embarrassment that you may experience when confronted with the possibility of having an STI, a positive diagnosis, or even just doing something that’s riskier than you’re comfortable with.

These feelings often come from how we learn and talk about STIs outside of having sex. (For example, referring to people without STIs as “clean,” that implies you are “dirty” if you have one.) When you only receive fear based sexual education (“Don’t get STIs!”) then it can feel like you screwed up something simple if you get one.

Combating stigma involves:

  • Remembering that there is no way to completely eliminate all risk during sexual activities
  • Being brave and having open conversations with partners or clinicians about STIs
  • Learning more about STIs and STI treatment/management
  • Point out language or behaviour that increases stigma around STIs

You maybe feel some shame or embarrassment about STIs, since it can be hard to shake deeply engrained feelings like that, but working towards more sex-positive communities is everyone’s responsibility.

  • What is trauma?

    Trauma is a lot more common than you might think, but how do you know if you’ve experienced it? This series will help explore how to recognize it, and how to manage or treat it.

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    Some tips on how to get ready for your first sexual experience with another person.

  • Resources for managing anxiety

    Check out some other websites, apps, and outdoors locations you can use to help manage anxiety.