Stand Up To Stigma: How We Reject Fear and Shame

“Seele’s tireless efforts to remove disparities in health care—and wherever we need more understanding and acceptance—is nothing short of inspirational.” —John Hope Bryant, Chairman, Operation HOPE

“Stigma” is a simple two-syllable word, yet it carries the weight of negative and often unfair beliefs that we hold about those who are different from us. Stigmas lock people into stereotyped boxes and deny us all the right to be our authentic and whole selves. Public health activist Dr. Pernessa Seele, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006, has crafted a proven method to address stigma. This powerful book confronts stereotype development, shows how to undo the processes and effects of stigma, and explains how we can radically change cultural thinking on the individual, interpersonal, and societal levels to put an end to stigmatization once and for all.

“Pernessa’s book can make a difference in your life. In a powerful way, it gets to the heart of a complex issue. Many people stigmatize others without realizing it, and Seele helps readers understand what they can do to change their attitudes and actions.” —Jeff Pegues, Justice and Homeland Security Correspondent, CBS News

“In sharing cogent reflections based upon her pioneering experiences as a courageous health advocate, Pernessa Seele squarely identifies the societal toll taken by stigma and stereotyping—and delineates the steps we can take to reaffirm the dignity we each innately possess by virtue of our humanity.” —Natalia Kanem, MD, Acting Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund

Pernessa C. Seele is the founder and CEO of the Balm in Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that strengthens the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to promote health education and disease management. Time magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People, Essence magazine selected her as one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women in the World, and Ebony magazine named her one of its Power 150.