Melbourne Chargers rugby club to tackle HIV stigma

Melbourne’s gay and inclusive rugby team the Melbourne Chargers are the newest ENUF campaign ambassadors.

The ENUF campaign uses real-life stories to combat stigma and stigmatising behaviour, including sexual rejection, malicious gossip, being shunned by family, friends or co-workers, and being treated as dirty, diseased or ‘other’.

Stigma discourages people from HIV testing and treatment, worsens mental health, and creates barriers in our community.

“The Chargers have always been about promoting inclusivity and breaking down barriers, so joining the ENUF Campaign was a natural fit for us,” Chargers president Sam Minter said.

“Our club welcomes everybody, regardless of age, playing experience, sexuality or HIV status, and we’re active in the community to promote those same values. People living with HIV are part of our community and part of our team. Everybody has a responsibility to be part of the response to HIV, because it’s only by acting together that we can defeat this illness,” he said.

During Midsumma and throughout the year, Minter said the Chargers will hand out flyers, encourage people to tell their stories and to sign the ENUF 10 by 10 Manifesto.

For further information about the ENUF campaign, to add a personal story or sign the 10 by 10 Manifesto, visit enuf.org.au

(Image: ‘Enuf’ is ‘Enuf’ say the Melbourne Chargers, the latest ambassadors for the anti-HIV stigma campaign)