Erving Goffman defines stigma as the situation of the individual who is disqualified from full social acceptance. Since 2017, I’ve been operating under the definition of stigma just being stereotypes of people living with herpes … [Read more...] about Shifting Stigma In Sexuality & Something Positive For Positive People
herpes
12 Reflections From 12 Years With Herpes
On March 23, 2013, I woke up with body aches, chills, and a fever. And when I wrote that sentence, it was March 23, 2025. Here I am a week later, and I’m in such a different place than I was when I sat down to write about … [Read more...] about 12 Reflections From 12 Years With Herpes
How Do We Minimize Stigma In Health Care?
The Health Care Setting: A Starting Point for Stigma The health care setting is definitely one of the core starting points of stigma. I see it this way because, oftentimes, it’s where people’s internalized stigma first gets … [Read more...] about How Do We Minimize Stigma In Health Care?
“Someone Just Told Me She Has Herpes. Can We Date?”
“Someone Just Told Me She Has Herpes. Can We Date?” First off, I want to thank you for being willing to pursue the route of even asking this question in the first place. That speaks to the quality of investment you have in your … [Read more...] about “Someone Just Told Me She Has Herpes. Can We Date?”
Q&A With Dr. Laurie: Safer Sex Practices
Keeping It Clean Q: I am 32 years old and I am obsessed with anal sex with commercial sex workers. How can I avoid sexually transmitted diseases and maintain cleanliness? Is there a drug/vaccine for me to keep it safe to have … [Read more...] about Q&A With Dr. Laurie: Safer Sex Practices
The Power Of Disclosing Your Herpes Status To A Friend
“Should I tell my friends about my herpes diagnosis?” is actually an uncommon question people ask me. It has come up recently perhaps because of the recent media attention mental health has gotten. Generally, people believe the … [Read more...] about The Power Of Disclosing Your Herpes Status To A Friend
Q&A With Dr. Laurie: HSV-1 Vs. HSV-2
HSV-1 and HSV-2 Q: I wanted to know a quick overview of the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 and why there is a stigma around HSV-1 simply because of the fact that it is still herpes. Also any advice on how to advise future … [Read more...] about Q&A With Dr. Laurie: HSV-1 Vs. HSV-2
Two Ways Self-Rejection Impacts People with Herpes
Rejection is something that I’m all too familiar with. By definition, rejection is refusal to accept something from someone, which can be boiled down to someone just saying “no.” … [Read more...] about Two Ways Self-Rejection Impacts People with Herpes
Disclosing With No Diagnosis
My previous article, How Do I Disclose For My Partner In Our Non-Monogamous Relationship?, got me a little bit of kickback from some readers. I wanted to believe it was due to them just reading the headline/title and not the … [Read more...] about Disclosing With No Diagnosis
How Do I Disclose For My Partner In Our Non-Monogamous Relationship?
A few times now, I’ve gotten questions from someone who doesn’t have herpes about being in a non-monogamous relationship with someone who does have herpes. The concerns range from concerns about disclosing on behalf of that … [Read more...] about How Do I Disclose For My Partner In Our Non-Monogamous Relationship?
Who Gave Me Herpes?
This is for the person looking for an answer to this question. While on the surface what you may be seeking is just to understand how you got it and when you got it, there are several potential undercurrents of thoughts gathering … [Read more...] about Who Gave Me Herpes?
When A Partner Changes Their Mind
Hi Courtney, My boyfriend and I are going through a breakup. We dated for 3.5 years and one of his main reasons for breaking up is having to use condoms. He doesn’t have herpes, and I do. That’s some of the deepest heartache … [Read more...] about When A Partner Changes Their Mind