Invisible Lives: HIV on the Fringes of Society

People who use drugs, engage in prostitution, are transgender, gay, street children, or prisoners are most affected by HIV. They face discrimination and stigmatization, making it difficult for aid to reach them. Colet van der Ven and Adriaan Backer traveled to give these people a voice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2018
Publisher: Lannoo

The prevalence of HIV infections is notably high among vulnerable populations, with a notable exception being Africa. These high-risk groups include individuals who engage in drug use, prostitution, belong to the transgender community, identify as gay men, are street children or prisoners. Unfortunately, these groups face heightened stigmatization and discrimination, making it challenging for aid and support to reach them effectively. Writer Colet van der Ven and photographer Adriaan Backer embarked on a remarkable journey across the globe to give these marginalized individuals a voice. Their travels took them to diverse locations, including patriarchal Tadzhikistan, where they documented the experiences of women facing political violence in Kenya. They also explored the lives of black homosexuals in the deeply religious southern states of America, where they encountered unique challenges and discrimination. In India, they met with transgender individuals who faced societal discrimination and marginalization, as well as ex-prisoners in South Africa who had overcome incredible adversity. Additionally, their research extended to Myanmar, where they shed light on the lives of drug users grappling with the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, van der Ven and Backer conducted interviews with representatives from the first generation of AIDS patients in the Netherlands and a female refugee in the Ukraine. These conversations provided valuable insights into the personal experiences and challenges faced by those affected by the pandemic. Through their powerful storytelling, van der Ven and Backer have brought attention to the urgent need for compassion, understanding, and support for these vulnerable populations. Their work serves as a powerful reminder that HIV/AIDS knows no boundaries and that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Weight: 1126g
Dimension: 221 x 267 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789401453325