Stand Up to StigmaBy: Pernessa C. Seele Seeles tireless efforts to remove disparities in health careand wherever we need more understanding and acceptanceis 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