For over four decades, the story of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been told through a specific lens, often focusing on the experiences of white gay men in major cities across the United States and Western Europe. While these stories are vital, they represent only a fraction of the pandemic's true impact. An upcoming symposium in Amsterdam aims to broaden this perspective, asking a crucial question: what other stories need to be told?
On October 9, the Tijdschrift voor genderstudies (Journal for Gender Studies) and IHLIA, the Netherlands' leading LGBTQI+ heritage archive, will host "In Search of Intersectional Stories about HIV and AIDS." The event marks the publication of a special issue of the journal dedicated to uncovering the narratives of communities often left in the margins of the historical record.
The symposium will feature contributions from researchers Looi van Kessel (Leiden University) and Jesse van Amelsvoort (University of Amsterdam), who curated the special issue. They and other authors will discuss their research into the diverse experiences of those affected by HIV and AIDS, highlighting the importance of an intersectional approach that considers factors like race, gender, class, and geography.
Attendees will also get a unique look into the Dutch context, as the event will explore stories preserved within the IHLIA archive. This offers a chance to understand how the epidemic unfolded specifically in the Netherlands and affected its diverse communities.
The evening will conclude with a screening of Greg Rowe's 1997 fictional documentary, Un pète au casque. Originally created as a prevention film, it uses a mockumentary format to shed light on the reality of HIV in rural France—a setting far removed from the typical urban narratives.
The symposium serves as a critical effort to create a more complete and inclusive history of the HIV/AIDS crisis, ensuring that the stories of all who were, and continue to be, affected are heard and remembered.
Event Details
- What: Symposium: In Search of Intersectional Stories about HIV and AIDS
- When: October 9
- Organizers: Tijdschrift voor genderstudies & IHLIA
- Language: The event will be conducted in English.
- Registration: To attend or for more information, please email aanmelden@ihlia.nl.
