Breaking stigmas: An event to eliminate HIV stigma in the workplace  

In a bold step towards combating HIV-related discrimination, myGwork, the largest professional network for LGBTQ+ professionals, joined forces with Spain’s Ministry of Equality, Apoyo Positivo, Imagina Más, Trabajando en Positivo, and major sponsors like Gilead Sciences, MSD Spain, and Sanofi to host the impactful event to help eliminate HIV stigma in the workplace. Held on November 27 in Mardrid, just days ahead of World AIDS Day, the initiative highlighted strategies to eliminate workplace stigma surrounding HIV.

The event drew inspiration from NBA legend Magic Johnson, who bravely shared his HIV status in 1991, challenging misconceptions and paving the way for greater awareness. Anchored in the spirit of Johnson’s courage, the event centered on three pivotal actions to foster inclusion, re-educate workplaces, and empower employees living with HIV.

Aina Calvo, Spain’s Secretary of State for Equality and the Eradication of Violence Against Women, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration between public and private sectors. “We must create inclusive spaces and prevent discriminatory practices, including covert dismissals rooted in stigma,” she urged. Calvo called on institutions and businesses to ensure no one is left behind, emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat biases.

The event featured an interview with Raúl Martínez, who shared his firsthand experiences of living with HIV. Martínez’s candid testimony highlighted the everyday challenges of stigma and the necessity of understanding and empathy in workplaces. His story resonated as a reminder that combating HIV-related discrimination starts with breaking down long-held prejudices.

The event’s centerpiece was a panel discussion that laid out a clear framework referred to as the “3-point strategy against HIV” that steps businesses can take to combat stigma. This included:

1. Promote “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U): Scientist Eduardo López-Collazo highlighted how modern medical treatments make HIV untransmittable for those with undetectable viral loads. “Thanks to effective treatments, the quality of life for people living with HIV is the same as anyone else’s,” he explained. López-Collazo urged businesses to amplify this knowledge, demystifying outdated beliefs about HIV.

2. Protect Health Data Privacy: Raquel Flórez, a partner at Freshfields law firm, emphasized the vital role of confidentiality in the workplace. “Health data is sensitive and specially protected,” she said, adding that serological status is irrelevant to employment and cannot be disclosed without explicit consent. Flórez underscored the need for businesses to honor employees’ privacy rights to prevent unnecessary disclosures and discrimination.

3. Organize Awareness Campaigns: Miguel Garzón, myGwork’s Director for Iberia and Latin America, showcased how inclusive companies are leading the charge through impactful awareness campaigns. “These initiatives dismantle outdated stereotypes about HIV,” Garzón explained, adding that such efforts play a pivotal role in creating inclusive environments free from stigma.

Now in its fifth year, myGwork’s HIV-focused event brought together key stakeholders from government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to drive meaningful change. The collaboration between organizations like Apoyo Positivo, Imagina Más, and Trabajando en Positivo, alongside corporate sponsors and allies, highlights the importance of joint efforts in achieving a society where no one is judged or marginalized for living with HIV.