From a press release
CHICAGO, IL. (September 5, 2013) — Fashion designer and HIV advocate Mondo Guerra and others are joining forces with Positively Aware for the magazine's annual A Day with HIV photo essay campaign. For the fourth year, A Day with HIV will help fight the stigma of HIV and advance a community of caring through this collective photographic portrait.
On one day, Saturday, September 21, people everywhere, both HIV-positive and negative, will join in the fight against HIV. Positively Aware is asking people to take a digital photograph on that day to record a moment that will focus attention on the daily trials and triumphs of people living with HIV and those who care for them.
With over 50,000 new HIV infections each year in the U.S. alone, the isolation and sense of loneliness and despair that can come with a new diagnosis touches each and every one of us in some way. The stigma often associated with HIV and AIDS can prevent people from getting tested, starting treatment, or disclosing their status to loved ones and potential partners.
"I know from personal experience how powerful and life-changing it can be to make a public statement about HIV, and also how scary it is for some," says Mondo. "I'm thrilled to be able to lend my support to 'A Day with HIV' this year."
The images selected for the photo essay will be announced in October and published in the November/December issue. Positively Aware will produce four covers for this special issue featuring different photos from the campaign that will be chosen by a panel of judges. This year's judges include Guerra, of Project Runway fame, renowned celebrity photographer Duane Cramer, and David France, the Oscar-nominated producer and director of the AIDS documentary How to Survive a Plague.
Photos taken on September 21 need to be submitted by Wednesday, September 25 on the A Day with HIV website or emailed to photo@adaywithhiv.com . Follow A Day with HIV on its Facebook page, on Twitter @A_Day_With_HIV, or on Instagram to see updates and selected photographs from last year, and to share the campaign and its vision with friends and family. A Day with HIV and Positively Aware will be at the United States Conference on AIDS in New Orleans September 8-11.
To learn more about this year's project, view last year's pictures, and get tips on how to take a great photo on September 21, visit, www.adaywithhiv.com .
About Positively Aware
Positively Aware is a magazine devoted to HIV treatment and wellness. With a circulation of more than 100,000, it is published bi-monthly by Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) in Chicago and is the only publication of its kind produced by a non-profit AIDS agency. Founded in 1987, TPAN is Chicago's oldest peer-led AIDS service organization and specializes in treatment information, support services and prevention. For more information, please visit www.positivelyaware.com or www.tpan.com .
