HIV Stigma Protesters Begin Hunger Strike in France

Two men in France have commenced a hunger strike to draw attention to the harassment and threats they have faced, driven by serophobia. Christophe Paco and Nicolas Aragona began their protest on Monday, August 24, outside the courthouse in Reims. Their action is a direct response to the discrimination they have experienced in recent years.

Their protest is fueled by personal experiences of stigma and prejudice related to HIV. By withholding food, they aim to pressure public authorities into addressing their concerns and the broader issue of serophobia. The men are carrying a limited supply of their HIV treatment, underscoring the urgency of their situation and their hope for a rapid resolution.

Paco and Aragona hope their hunger strike will compel a swift and meaningful response from the government. Their demonstration highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals living with HIV and the need for greater protection against discrimination and hate speech. The protest seeks to challenge the state's perceived inaction on issues of serophobia.