Invisibility and denial of intersectionality

Complaints of HIV-related discrimination in Belgium

Abstract

Despite therapeutic progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, discrimination against HIV-positive people seems to persist. In order to show the evidence, we have carried out an investigation into complaints filed with Unia, the Belgian Centre for Equal Opportunities and the Fight against Discrimination. First, we show how such discrimi- nations are largely underestimated, including their effects on health and by the victims themselves. We then analyse the tension between the importance of the intersection of serophobia with homophobia, racism and sexism and the difficulties, or even the inabi- lity, of the applicants and even more of the institutions to perceive it. Finally, we show how intersectionality allows to identify the most vulnerable groups and how serophobia reaches beyond HIV itself.