Short Story Radio has produced a recording of Joy's Story, a monologue taken from interviews by writer Graham Pitts with Sandy Porter, who is HIV positive and who has become a dedicated activist in the education of the public regarding HIV/AIDS. Sandy originally wished to be anonymous but is now a well known public figure: nonetheless they retained the title Joy's Story. Originally a single monologue, it became part of a full-length documentary theatre piece entitled “In The Family” produced by Positive Women Victoria at St. Martins Theatre in Melbourne, Australia, in 2005. The narrator, Glenda Linscott also played “Joy” in that production. Glenda has now begun a project to film Joy's Story and the other monologues from In the Family, with a host of well known Australian actors.
About Positive Women
"Positive Women Victoria, a support and advocacy organisation for HIV-positive women, was established in 1988 by women living with HIV/AIDS. In recognition of the special needs of positive women, we provide a safe and comfortable environment that is completely confidential.
The challenges for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and the associated stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness which can lessen quality of life and opportunities to access important information. HIV-positive women have the additional challenges of managing pregnancy and family life. Positive Women Victoria coordinates peer support for Victorian HIV-positive women, in 1:1 or group scenarios via informative sessions, social catch-ups and structured support programs. We also provide training for members around the provision of peer support, to enable them to support others and themselves and we work closely with other agencies in delivering our peer support programs.
Positive Women Victoria also provides practical support in the form of up to date information on living with HIV via our website and monthly newsletters, a safe space for women to “drop-in”, referral to other healthcare and support agencies and food vouchers for those in financial need. Twice a year we encourage members to apply for small grants from The Rose Fund to undertake personal development courses, skills development or return to work courses.
Positive Women Victoria advocates on behalf of our members to ensure that HIV-positive women are included in government and HIV sector strategic plans. By advocating for our members, we are ensuring a better future for HIV positive women and their families.
As well as coping with the effects of the HIV virus, women face discrimination and stigma that they and their families must endure on a regular basis. Positive Women Victoria provides training for our members in public speaking and involves members in our speaking program and other projects. We coordinate provision of female speakers to schools and other organisations who are interested in hearing real people tell their own story. This is a very powerful way of delivering safe sex messages and in helping to reduce the stigma around HIV. Positive Women Victoria has rolled out a number of projects aimed at raising the profile of HIV-positive women in the community, including publication of women’s stories and teaming up with Australian actresses like our Patron Anne Phelan to provide monologue performances and even a highly successful theatre show In The Family. Our A Body of Knowledge photographic exhibition, which has toured Victoria and Western Australia, challenges the viewer to think about HIV and its impact."
Positive Women Victoria Inc
Support & advocacy for women living with HIV/AIDS
Ph: 03 9076 6918
W: www.positivewomen.org.au
Office: Fairfield House. Moubray St, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Postal: PO Box 222, Prahran, VIC Australia 3181
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