Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square has been lit up for World Aids Day 2023 (1 December) to challenge stigma and educate the public on the experiences of women living with HIV.
During a screening in Federation Square, a unique short film and poetry collaboration on the experiences of women living with HIV– Thriving– has been shown for the first time. The film will screen nationally and internationally as well.
It’s a timely performance poem as women and girls in Australia living with HIV make up 12 per cent of the population, and their experiences and stories are still widely underreported. Globally, there are an estimated 20.2 million women and girls living with the disease.
“We have blossomed in the harshest of terrain. Warded off plague and blame, and found a place to place our roots. We are fragrant, vibrant, and brimming with life,” says the voice in Thriving.
Developed over the course of a year, the film aims to amplify the voices of women living with HIV and increase literacy of the disease amongst the public. It highlights the global U=U message (Undetectable equals Untransmittable). U=U is based on more than 20 years of scientific evidence that a person with HIV who is on antiretroviral treatment and has an undetectable viral load, can not transmit HIV sexually.
The project was a collaboration between seven women living with HIV, Melbourne-based performance poet Fleassy Malay and filmmaker Ryan Lee Adams. It was produced by Positive Women Victoria, Australia’s only community support and advocacy organisation for women living with HIV, and was supported through a grant from ViiV Healthcare Australia.
“We don’t have to live under the shadow of pain and stigma,” said Chrissie, a woman living with HIV who took part in Thriving to share her story and empower other women living with the disease.
“Being part of this project allowed me to have my voice heard. I hope that by shining a light on underrepresented voices in our community we can empower all people living with HIV to be proud and live their lives vibrantly.”
Executive Officer of Positive Women Victoria, Kirsty Machon says it’s crucial to share messages about advances in the space as it helps to challenge the engrained societal stigma surrounding HIV.
“Thriving was created by women living with HIV, but the message is for everyone,” says Machon.