Thank you for choosing to tell your herpes story, in this completely anonymous survey. The Herpes Activists Networking to Dismantle Stigma (HANDS) decided that for Herpes Awareness Day 2019, we wouldn't just share our knowledge with you but instead ask YOU to share your knowledge. Every part of your experience after a herpes diagnosis has elements that are shared with others, and parts that are unique to you.
Our goal in creating this survey and collecting thousands of responses is to help raise a new level of awareness about herpes; it's not about transmission or testing, but about social shame and emotional wellness. We hope that your honesty will give us the opportunity to shift awareness of herpes stigma into the spotlight.
Your vulnerability is the key to helping HANDS make a huge difference in the lives of people who are currently or will soon be learning that they have contracted herpes, too. Please note that some of these questions may be uncomfortable to answer, and so none of the questions are mandatory. We ask that you take this survey when you are in a good space for reflection, or come back to it later if you're not quite ready to tackle these topics. Use your discretion when deciding whether to approach these topics; our team hopes to have harnessed a safe space through anonymity for you to express yourself fully, however we understand it can be difficult to process some of these memories and feelings again.
Again, HANDS thanks you for sharing your story in the hopes that it will help make the future of herpes diagnosis easier, destigmatized, and less alone.