Challenging HIV Stigma in Aotearoa

People living with HIV have always been at the heart of the HIV response, creating dialogue between individuals and communities and raising awareness to reduce HIV stigma and discrimination. While there has been significant progress in addressing HIV and AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, and increased access to treatment and prevention, there is still significant social stigma attached to living with HIV.

The Dowse Art Museum and City Gallery Wellington together with the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa are honoured to present a panel discussion challenging HIV stigma, held in connection with our current exhibition Derek Jarman: Delphinium Days.

Join our panel, chaired by Ryan Falck, as they reflect on their own experiences navigating an HIV-positive diagnosis and discuss their work across diverse communities at risk of HIV in Aotearoa, helping take care of themselves and each other through their sexual health practices.

Alongside the panel, a block of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt will be available to view from 1-5pm. The New Zealand Quilt Project was founded in December 1988 - the same year as the first World AIDS Day - by people living with HIV and AIDS in Aotearoa. It provided a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honour the lives affected by the epidemic.

For World AIDS Day 2024, we are proud to display Block 5 of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt which honours, among others, Neil Costelloe— one of the most important activists during the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Campaign, 1985-1986. When not on display, the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt is held in the collection of Te Papa Tongarewa, National Museum of New Zealand.

Head to our website to learn more about our chair Ryan Falck, alongside panellists Judith Mukakaynge, Kit Harding​ and Ciomarah Afele.

Supported by

British Council and Burnett Foundation Aotearoa.