“From Its Beginnings on the Internet to Community Participation—Toward Equity Through Creation and Narrative”

Humans have an inherent ability to tell stories and desire to hear them. Stories touch the heart, bring us together, and enhance understanding among people. Based on these humanistic values, the organization HIVStory was born.

Since its start on the Internet in 2016, HIVStory has been collecting the stories and documenting the lifestyles of those with HIV, and through community engagement, has attracted writing partners and collaborators. In 2019, after the organization was officially established, we continued using a variety of methods that convey the experiences of POZ individuals, of their families, and of their friends to the public through online platforms and social media.

In addition to collecting recordings and writings, we invite local and international artists and art groups to empower those affected by HIV with their unique art forms and volunteer training. Through these interactive and creative activities, community partners have healed, and gained self-knowledge and the confidence to advocate for themselves.

We also started in-person advocacy programs in 2018, including our NowON+ lecture and soapbox series focusing on equity for the community, as well as art activities such as the exhibitions Interminable Prescriptions for the Plague, and POZ Movement, and the theatrical production Rx: still life. From participating in Taiwanese community activities to speaking out at international forums, we seek out new possibilities for dialogue and HIV health equity as an independent media outlet, and launch innovative campaigns that are consistent with contemporary civic engagement.

We believe that only through dialogue and various forms of interaction can stereotypes and discrimination against people living with HIV be overcome. Taiwan HIVStory Association will continue to search for new opportunities and to develop more spaces, and keep striving for equity for POZ community. We hope that you will join us.