Using photovoice and video to tell the story of HIV positive women

Issues

Although the dialog about HIV/AIDS tends to focus on men who have sex with men, women are increasingly affected by this epidemic. Low-income women of color are disproportionately affected, often confronting not just HIV but poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, comorbidities, and inadequate health care. However, many who do not “fit the mold”—white women, middle-class women, and married women—also become infected, all too often by husbands and long-term partners. The notion that only low-income women of color are affected is not only inaccurate but potentially dangerous, making other women complacent and more likely to put themselves at risk by having unprotected sex.

Description

This project used participant-based photography (“photovoice”) and video to explore the issues and convey the stories of HIV positive women in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Lessons Learned

The results of this project were a 15-minute documentary focusing on the stories of four HIV positive women, a series of photovoice photos depicting the concerns of positive women, and a written thesis summarizing the project's methods and finding. Although it is a challenge carrying out participatory research with a population facing many struggles, I also witnessed these women's tremendous resiliency, insight, and expressive power.

Recommendations

The documentary has already screened at San Francisco State University and at the sponsoring organization. My hope is that it be used as a tool for teaching and advocacy, spreading prevention messages, challenging the stereotypes surrounding HIV/AIDS, and encouraging action to combat the underlying social inequalities that contribute to this epidemic.