Working Life: Shame and stigma were stopping me from thriving and living my best life
Robbie Lawlor and Enda McGrattan, known as Veda Lady, launching the new HSE campaign in partnership with people living with HIV, ‘You, Me and HIV,’ a new nationwide campaign to address misconceptions around HIV and help reduce the stigma experienced by people living with HIV in Ireland. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
“I came out publicly about my HIV status in 2019. I'd kept it a secret for 10 years. My diagnosis had a drastic impact on my mental health. It took quite a while to get over the self-stigma that often comes with being diagnosed with HIV. I realised shame and stigma were love blockers, that they were stopping me from thriving and living my best life.
Myself and Doctor Robbie Lawlor created the Poz Vibe Podcast for people living with HIV. There's a fun expression that we use — HIV is in my body and I just want to be a good host, so I guess I'm a good host. We host the podcast, as well as events for people living with HIV.
