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Choices & Voices: Safe Abortion and HIV Advocacy for Queer Persons
For LBQT persons living with HIV, the intersection of their sexual or gender identity, HIV status, and the need for abortion services often leads to a compounded stigma that intensifies healthcare access challenges. These individuals face societal stigmas not only for being queer but also for their HIV status, which is frequently mischaracterized due to persistent myths associating HIV with sexual “deviance.” When seeking abortion services, LBQT individuals with HIV may encounter judgment from healthcare providers who view both their HIV status and their desire for abortion through a biased, moralizing lens. Such stigmatization creates hostile healthcare environments that drive some to delay or avoid seeking necessary medical care, risking both physical and mental health. The stigma around abortion further compounds their marginalization, as they may feel judged not only for their decision to terminate a pregnancy but also for living openly with HIV. These intersecting stigmas can ultimately push LBQT persons living with HIV into isolation, deterring them from receiving holistic and compassionate reproductive health care. Our session focuses on understanding how