Being diagnosed with HIV can feel like devastating news. NAZ is a sexual health charity that provides support and guidance for women living with HIV, from the Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
PhotoVoice delivered a four-week project with NAZ to offer the women a platform to share their perspectives and experiences. The women produced a body of work that challenges HIV related stigma. Their photographs show daily life, normal routines and ask for a better global understanding of what it means to live with HIV.
The (Wo)manifestos below are honest and thought provoking accounts written by courageous women.
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I’m a strong positive woman.
I’m HIV positive but that doesn’t define me.
I have a family, a life, a partner.
A mother, a brother, a father, a sister.
I bleed like you.
I cry like you.
I sleep like you.
I walk like you.
I talk like you.
I work like you, however, I am a positive woman.
I hope one day the world will except people for who they are regardless of sex, religion, culture and illness.
I am, we are all humans that should be respected for who we are and not what we are, all….humans.
Love like you want to be loved!
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Every step I take,
The pain, the ache.
And the drugs I take.
Makes me want to run.
I don’t feel like I’m having fun.
Stigma is a curse.
It makes me feel the hate,
I hope its not too late.
I know that I am strong.
I’m not sure for how long.
I will fight the best I can,
And be the best I am.
HIV is a virus and not something that should provoke hatred.
I am resilient
I am strong
And
I am positive.
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Featured image: © Grace 2017 | PhotoVoice | Naz | (Wo)manifestos for Positive Women | UK