Sticks and Stones

The main issue with stigma and HIV in the world is that it leads to discrimination and marginalisation of people living with HIV (PLHIV), which can have significant negative consequences on their physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic well-being.

Stigma associated with HIV often results in fear, ignorance, and negative attitudes, which can lead to social isolation, loss of employment, denial of healthcare services, and even violence. This can make it difficult for PLHIV to disclose their status to others, seek treatment, and participate fully in their communities.

Addressing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV is critical to achieving the goal of ending the HIV epidemic. This requires education, awareness-raising, and advocacy efforts to challenge negative attitudes and beliefs about PLHIV as well as policies and laws that protect rights of PLHIV and promote their full inclusion in society.

To promote a world that allows people living with HIV to fully participate in society, access healthcare without discrimination and live their lives without fear or shame and improve their wellbeing and mindset.
Addressing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV is critical to achieving the goal of ending the HIV epidemic. This requires education, awareness-raising, and advocacy efforts to challenge negative attitudes and beliefs about PLHIV as well as policies and laws that protect rights of PLHIV and promote their full inclusion in society.

We hope that by making a compelling, informative and educational documentary, the following outcomes will be achieved.
1) Increased awareness of HIV in Australia and around the world
2) Demystifying stereotypes and debunking myths around HIV
3) Illustrate the notion of stigma within the HIV community
4) Connect and provide real world examples of HIV and stigma.
5) Gain a better understanding of stigma in general and its harm to the community
6) Create some positive change towards decreasing HIV Stigma
7) Provide an educational specific piece on stigma to be used in schools.
8) Provide a visual tool that can be shared by HIV community organisation’s around the world
9) Introduce the concept and benefits of changing mindset for PLHIV

We plan to reach our audience via a planned social impact campaign facilitated via HIV organisations and charitable foundations both here in Australia and abroad.

We have been working and producing video content for over 5 years for both Living Positive Victoria and Positive Women Victoria.

This established connection has given us exclusive access the following organisations working within this community:
* The National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA)
* International Community of Women living with HIV Asia /Pacific
* Queensland Positive People
* Peter Doherty Institute
* Thorne Harbour Health
* ViiV Healthcare
* University of Melbourne
* University of Sydney

With these organisations we are assured of reaching similar organisations around the world and connecting to their broader networks and communities.

* Broader community will have a better understanding of HIV and stigma and will behave in a more compassionate way to the HIV community
* PLHIV feel a connection to those in the documentary and reach out to organisations that assist them
* Find ways to change mindset
* Seek professional help if need to.