| Rajakumar: I am thirty-two years old,
a graduate of commerce and a professional photographer. I am now working
on HIV, I have dedicated my life to prevention. I was actually diagnosed
as having HIV in 1993, but I have been living with the virus for the past
ten years. I have only told one very close friend, I haven't disclosed it
to my family. Why not? I am living with a very good health and I understand
a lot about this virus. My family depends on me, and there will be a lot
of problem if I disclose my status. I am the eldest. First my sister has
to get married. I want my brother settled in a job. After these I can slowly
disclose things to my family. We have already had AIDS in India for ten
or twelve years but there is a big stigma of HIV in this society. The message
from government campaigns is AIDS=DEATH. AIDS is perceived to be about sexual
contact, loose morals and bad people. The campaigns have never acknowledged
that it can affect decent people, that also it is possible to be infected
through blood transmissions or medical problems. We need to develop a climate
where those people who are infected can live openly as valuable members
of the society.
photo: Mike Abrahams / Network |
| exhibition | 