UK Happenings

Exhibit 'Uncovers' HIV Stigma for African-American Community

photo from "#UncoverHIV" exhibit
The "#uncoverHIV" exhibit has images that feature shirtless African-American models whose faces are covered. The exhibit is a symbolic uncovering of stigma that has created a culture of silence where people are unable to talk about status or get tested.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 24, 2017) As part of an AVOL (AIDS Volunteers Inc.) campaign seeking to get more African Americans to test for HIV, the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center is hosting an exhibit titled "#uncoverHIV." A reception for the free public exhibit, which is on display through March 13, will be held Feb 28, in the Great Hall of the Margaret I. King Library Building.

HIV can happen to anyone who comes into contact with infected bodily fluids, most commonly through sexual activity, sharing injection drug equipment and birth. African Americans carry the most severe burden of HIV. They account for the highest proportion of new infections, those living with HIV, and those diagnosed with AIDS.

The "#uncoverHIV" exhibit has eight images that feature shirtless African-American models whose faces are covered. The photography is by Brett Barnett of Lexington. With each image are facts/statistics. The models in the photographs are shirtless because often people have sex without ever talking about HIV or discussing condom usage. The exhibit is a symbolic uncovering of the stigma that has created a culture of silence where people are unable to talk about their status or get tested.

“In talking with people in our community, we have learned that so many feel HIV is no longer a problem. Some feel it was never a problem in Kentucky. Many feel it was never their problem. We who labor in this field know this could not be further from the truth,” said Pablo Archila, HIV prevention specialist at AVOL. “We hope this campaign will get more people testing for HIV. Testing allows individuals to learn about HIV and how to prevent it in ways that are specific to their risk factors. We want to link those newly diagnosed to care so they may live well. Let us 'uncover' the facts about HIV, dispel stigma, and work towards zero new infections.”

A second display presented as part of the exhibit is "The Faces of HIV/AIDS in Kentucky: A Photo Documentary" by Peggy Blythe, funded by the Kentucky Department for Public Health in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services with the support and cooperation of the Community Planning Group for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Kentucky.

Both displays are being shown together because HIV has changed so much from when "The Faces of HIV/AIDS in Kentucky" was created in 2000. Yet, the stigma surrounding HIV remains the same. Most of the people in the older images have passed away, but their strength continues to live through their stories.

The entire exhibit is on display through March 13, on the second floor of the Margaret I. King Library Building in the Great Hall. A reception will be held 2:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the Great Hall. Both the exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

This exhibition at UK is supported by UK Special Collections and Research Center, UK Office of LGBTQ* Resources, and the community organization Bluegrass Black Pride Inc.

Founded in 1987, AVOL is a nonprofit organization that provides services to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS as well as prevention education and outreach to 72 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky.