Highlighting Australia’s response to HIV epidemic through personal stories

THROUGH Our Eyes, a collection of stories spanning 30 years of HIV and AIDS experiences, will celebrate its launch at Melbourne queer bookshop Hares & Hyenas this month.

Published by the National Association of People Living with HIV Australia (NAPWHA), the book features contributors who have spent years working with, or are themselves, HIV-positive people.

“Through Our Eyes not only celebrates the contributions of HIV-positive people to the response of HIV and AIDS, but through the writings and contributions of our friends and allies demonstrates how this crisis united diverse members of our society,” the publication’s editor Dr John Rule said.

It features writings from David Menadue, Paul Kidd, Bev Greet, Jenny Hoy, Bill O’Loughlin, Anne Mijch, and former AIDS 2014 co-chair Sharon Lewin.

“This event is a great opportunity to recognise all the Victorian contributors to this NAPWHA publication as well as remember how far we have come in 30 years,” Living Positive Victoria executive officer Brent Allan said.

“Many diagnosed in the past have not known a world without HIV, bringing the stories of those earlier times together with more recent experiences is important to bring our community closer together.”

Contributors and special guests will speak and reflect on the histories explored in the book over light refreshments, a glass of wine, or a schooner, along with music by DJ David Vergona.

The event will be held on Friday, February 20 from 7.30pm to 9pm at Hares & Hyenas, 63 Johnston St, Fiztroy.

RSVP here for free. If you’re unable to make it, the book is available to peruse online here.