New publication on stigma and suicidality among gay men living with HIV

Olivier Ferlatte and Tara Chanady authored a publication on photovoice, stigma and suicidality among gay men living with HIV.

Gay men living with HIV are at relatively high risk of suicide, but little research has focused on this issue. That's why our researchers conducted a photovoix study with 22 gay men living with HIV and with a history of suicide. Photovoix is a research method in which participants take photos and then narrate them to share their experiences and perspectives. The results of this study identify three themes that characterize suicidality among gay men living with HIV: firstly, HIV-related stigma was very present in participants' stories and triggered their despair. Secondly, many participants perceived their HIV as a personal failure, felt ashamed and blamed, which accentuated their suicidal thoughts. Thirdly, men withdrew from social interactions out of shame, leading to feelings of isolation. These themes contributed in complex ways to the participants' suicidal experiences. The study thus demonstrates the need to promote social connectivity and destigmatize HIV in order to prevent suicide in this population.

To find out more about this study, please read the article here.