In Her Hands: Women's Fight against AIDS in the United States

In Her Hands explores how women have fought for recognition as HIV/AIDS vulnerable individuals and lived with the disease since the 1980s, examining five arenas of activism: transmission and recognition, reproductive justice, safer sex campaigns, the carceral state, and HIV prevention and treatment. It argues that women protesting neglect risked punitive intervention, focusing on the symbolic needs of fetuses and children.

Format: Hardback
Length: 362 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

In Her Hands is a groundbreaking exploration of the diverse strategies employed by women to advocate for their recognition as individuals vulnerable to and living with HIV/AIDS across various contexts since the 1980s. Adopting a fresh chronological and thematic approach to studying the US epidemic, the book delves into five critical arenas of women's AIDS activism: transmission and recognition, reproductive justice, safer sex campaigns for queer women, the carceral state, and HIV prevention and treatment. By doing so, it extends the historical understanding of women's experiences with AIDS beyond their initial exclusion from the initial medical response and their crucial role as supporters of gay men. Central to the book's inquiry is the question of how and on what terms women have successfully secured state support for their healthcare needs. In Her Hands argues that women who protested the neglect of their health-care requirements always ran the risk of facing punitive intervention on behalf of the symbolic needs of fetuses and children, as well as broader society, perceived as needing protection from them.

This book is a vital contribution to the field of AIDS studies, shedding light on the experiences and struggles of women living with the disease. It challenges prevailing narratives and provides a nuanced understanding of the complex factors that have shaped women's activism and advocacy efforts. Through its comprehensive analysis, In Her Hands offers valuable insights into the ongoing fight for gender equality and social justice in the face of HIV/AIDS.

The book is organized into five chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of women's AIDS activism. The first chapter, "Transmission and Recognition," explores how women have fought for their recognition as HIV/AIDS patients and survivors. It highlights the historical marginalization of women in the medical response to the epidemic and the challenges they faced in accessing care and treatment. The second chapter, "Reproductive Justice," examines how women have advocated for reproductive rights and access to healthcare services, particularly for marginalized communities. The third chapter, "Safer Sex Campaigns for Queer Women," explores how women have worked to promote safer sex practices and reduce the risk of HIV transmission among queer women. The fourth chapter, "The Carceral State," examines how women have been impacted by the criminalization of HIV/AIDS and the disproportionate incarceration of people living with the disease. The fifth chapter, "HIV Prevention and Treatment," explores how women have advocated for access to HIV prevention and treatment programs, particularly for marginalized communities.

Throughout the book, In Her Hands employs a rich mix of primary sources, including interviews with activists, researchers, and healthcare providers, as well as government documents and media reports. The authors provide a compelling narrative that brings to life the experiences and struggles of women living with HIV/AIDS. They also offer critical analysis of the policies and practices that have perpetuated inequality and discrimination against women.

One of the book's most significant contributions is its exploration of the intersectionality of women's experiences with HIV/AIDS. The authors recognize that women's experiences with the disease are not isolated but are deeply intertwined with their race, class, sexuality, and other social identities. They argue that women's activism and advocacy efforts must be grounded in a broader understanding of social justice and equity, and must address the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and discrimination.

In Her Hands also highlights the importance of community-based activism and grassroots organizing in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The authors argue that women's activism and advocacy efforts must be rooted in the communities they serve and must be led by women who are directly impacted by the disease. They emphasize the need for collaboration and solidarity among women and other marginalized communities, as well as the importance of building alliances with policymakers and healthcare providers.

Another notable aspect of the book is its focus on the role of women as leaders and change agents in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The authors argue that women have been instrumental in shaping the response to the epidemic and have played a critical role in advocating for policy change and social justice. They highlight the importance of recognizing and supporting women's leadership and empowerment, as well as the need for gender-responsive policies and practices in the healthcare and social sectors.

In conclusion, In Her Hands is a groundbreaking exploration of the diverse strategies employed by women to advocate for their recognition as individuals vulnerable to and living with HIV/AIDS across various contexts since the 1980s. The book offers a nuanced understanding of the complex factors that have shaped women's activism and advocacy efforts, and provides valuable insights into the ongoing fight for gender equality and social justice in the face of HIV/AIDS. Through its comprehensive analysis, In Her Hands offers a powerful call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and activists to address the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and discrimination against women and other marginalized communities.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 157 x 236 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520389052