About Us → News & Events Stigma Warrior - Meet Ricardo

My name is Ricardo Rojas, I'm a celebrity hairstylist, actor and a #StigmaWarrior for HCAI.

I think it's really important to stand up for stigma and discrimination, especially in this moment that we're living in our life, in the world, and here in United States, we need to have a voice, we need to speak up.  We have to teach people, we have to educate them, so we are not being judged or discriminated against. I grew up in Argentina where there is still a huge stigma around HIV.  Today we must educate those who are misinformed. 

I fight stigma in my personal life by collaborating with organizations such as HCAI. By speaking out, engaging, and educating those who may hold discriminatory views we can make a difference. Growing up in Argentina, it was challenging for gay men with HIV, but they united, found their voice, and stood strong.

My advice to anyone facing stigma and discrimination in your community is to speak up, share with your friends, find your allies, stay together and educate those that they wanted to stigmatize us.

One word that best to describe me when I'm living as my authentic self is Fabulous!  No, actually it would be happy. When I can be myself, when I can truly be myself, body, soul, and spirit, I am happy. When I am happy that's when I can express myself, I can create and share.

One word that describes me as a stigma warrior is freedom. Freedom is so beautiful and is a special word in my life.