Dimensions
146 x 210 x 13mm
This is an edited collection of the life stories of five Australian women who each share one crucial secret - they have been diagnosed HIV positive. There are very few published narratives about and by women diagnosed with the HIV virus. In effect there is a silence around this issue, making "positive" women invisible and voiceless participants in this epidemic.
'Blood Ties' has an important role to play in raising issues which are rarely discussed - issues such as the social impact of HIV/AIDS; how people (and particularly women) are marginalised as a result; facing personal fears about death and our life values; and dealing with families and friends.
The essence of the stories from the five women is their diversity and the ways they have each dealt with these issues themselves. What emerges is a triumph of the human spirit. Their individual determination and honesty come through in their writing.