Sue

Sue is volunteering for the Human Library Champaign-Urbana with the title “herpes.” When asked why she felt it was important for someone with her title to volunteer, Sue said “Herpes is a common but also commonly misunderstood infection. Research indicates that between one in two to one in six sexually active adults have HSV-1 or HSV-2. In spite of this prevalence, herpes is widely stigmatized because it is often passed during sexual activities and understood as sexual. In fact, the virus can be transferred any number of ways depending on where it manifests on the body. In a culture ripe with divisive attitudes, it is important to remove shame where unnecessary. Herpes is a common, manageable STI and our sexual dialogue should be able to address it without without hesitation, embarrassment or regret.”