STIs and Stigma: Effects of STI Diagnoses and Sexual/Gender Minority Identity on Perceptions of Potential Partners

This study tested how an STI diagnosis influences perceptions of hypothetical romantic/sexual partners. In an online experiment, participants (n = 189) were randomly assigned to one of five vignette conditions, which varied in how a potential partner's STI status was described. HSV or HIV-positive status (with treatment) decreased the likelihood that participants would have sex or a relationship with the target. However, LGBTQ participants were less likely to consider an STI diagnosis a deal-breaker relative to cisgender, heterosexual participants. Results highlight a need for accurate sex education content about living with treatable but incurable STIs.