item details
Russ Flatt; photographer; 2020
Overview
This poster is part of New Zealand AIDS Foundation’s Ending HIV Posters in Population project which addressed lack of representation in its health messaging, particularly in promoting safe and healthy sex.
The Posters in Population project ‘came about after listening to the voices of our diverse LGBTQIA+ community in Aotearoa New Zealand and hearing that there was a lack of representation in our work. We are passionately committed to working hand in hand with our partners, learning with and from them and moving forward together – toward an Aotearoa without HIV transmission. But we can’t do that together if we’re only speaking with one voice and perspective’ (NZAF, 2020).
The Posters in Population project manifested in striking portraits of individuals by photographer Russ Flatt (Ngāti Kahungunu), with messaging in their respective languages, including Te Reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Hindi, Spanish, Khmer, Chinese and Dhivehi. Their personal stories and messages are online (link below).
Part of the message of this poster is about using PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). HIV negative people can take antiretroviral drugs to protect them and prevent HIV infection. When used as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection.
This poster features a group photograph of Ricky Te Akau (He/Him, Māori, Pākehā, Dutch, Irish, Ngāti Tuwharetoa (Ngāti Hinemihi, Ngāti Turumakina), Waikato Tainui (Ngaati Maahanga)); Miss Trinity Ice (She/Her, Māori, Cook Island); and Piripi Mackie a.k.a. Misty Frequency (They/Them, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Rauru, Ngāi Tahu). Ricy Te Akau, who led the Posters in Population project says:
'Working in the LGBTQIA+ space has its ups and downs. Dealing with self, individuals, collectives, whānau, cultural differences, minorities and emotions all bring their own set of special circumstances or nuances. In a world where diversity is often frowned upon, celebration of these differences should be all that more regular. Health, and in particular sexual health, is a priority and not always a given. Entitlement is varied, when it should be more standardised - in the sense that it should be more equitable.
Ahakoa nō hea, ahakoa kō wai? He tangata! Irrespective of where you are from or who you are, you are ‘people!’ Empowering the individual gives strength to the community - so, given the beauty of each of us, we are perfect in each and every way.
I believe in choice and given there is the option of combination prevention where: condoms, PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) and U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) are all a part of that choice' (NZAF 2020).
References:
NZAF (2020). Posters in Population Posters in Population (endinghiv.org.nz)