4.6: Racialized Populations

Research suggests that societal stigma related to race and ethnicity is associated with racial/ethnic HIV disparities via its manifestations at the structural level (e.g., residential segregation) as well as the individual level among perceivers (e.g., discrimination) and targets (e.g., internalized stigma).^1. Racial/ethnic minorities at risk of, and living with HIV, often experience multiple stigmas (e.g., HIV-positive, substance use).¹ A resilience approach, intervening on modifiable strength-based moderators of the association between societal stigma and disparities can reduce disparities.¹ Care providers can support individuals who have experienced racism and other disparities by understanding the impact of racism; listening with empathy; creating and ensuring safe spaces; being mindful of triggers; understanding your own cultural background and its influence on your values, beliefs, assumptions and biases; and by advocating for support efforts.² Ultimately, strengthening economic and community empowerment and trust at the structural level, creating common in-group identities and promoting contact with people living with HIV among perceivers at the individual level, and enhancing social support and adaptive coping among targets at the individual level can improve resilience to societal stigma and ultimately reduce racial/ethnic HIV disparities.¹