Indigenous Women Voicing Experiences of HIV Stigma and Criminalization Through Art

Abstract

Indigenous women living with HIV are disproportionately affected by the criminalization of HIV nondisclosure. The purpose of this paper is to better understand how the criminalization of HIV nondisclosure shapes the lived experiences of HIV-related stigma, disclosure, and health service among cis and transgender Indigenous women living with HIV (IWLWH). This study was developed based on a community roundtable on HIV criminalization with engagement of legal experts, HIV service organizations, and IWLWH on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the ter̓ritories of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) in 2016 to 2018. Drawing on community-based participatory photovoice methodology, Indigenous Peer Researchers played a central role throughout this project, including planning, facilitation of photo-voice workshops, and analysis. This analysis includes 17 IWLWH. Through a peer-engaged analysis process, the photovoice images and narratives illustrated how the criminalization of HIV nondisclosure is intertwined with colonial violence to shape experiences of social isolation and exclusion, disclosure, access to safe health care, responsibility, fear, and resilience. The legal requirements of HIV nondisclosure are unattainable for many IWLWH who are not able to safely disclose their HIV status, negotiate condom use, and maintain a low viral load. In line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the justice system must be reoriented from punishment and oppression to healing and wellbeing for all Indigenous women living with HIV. Simultaneously, we call for culturally safe services that protect privacy and recognize strengths of IWLWH.