What we would like from you

- Three pictures and three words

We would like you to submit one portrait of yourself, and two other images which shows how you define yourself.  (For details on the image sizes please visit this page.)

We would also like you to submit three words that you would use to define yourself. For example; Parent, Funny, Musician, Baker, Cyclist, Muslim, Swimmer, Graduate. Any words you like, to show how you are enjoying life.

There is so much inspiration to choose the two images with which you identify. 

Click on this link to see our example page.

Here are just a few ideas, to help inspire you;

• You may be proud of your gender, race, sexuality or faith.
• Perhaps you are a parent or a grandparent.
• Why not choose your hobbies, interests or pastimes?
• Have you started a new life, perhaps having come from overseas?
• Do you have a vocation, or are proud of your career?
• Maybe you do voluntary service.
• Perhaps you have done well academically.
• Do you have pets, or have a favourite animal?
• Are you a keen sports fan, devoted to a team? 
• Perhaps fashion and beauty are how you express yourself.
• Is there a performer you have followed that inspires you?
• Are you a keen nature lover, or are you more into city life?

The choice is yours. 

We are looking forward to seeing the diversity that makes up the population of people living with HIV. Your contribution will help normalise people living with HIV and perhaps encourage others to break free from HIV related stigma.

I’d like to take part, but I’m uneasy, as I’m not out about my status?

We recognise that choosing when, and who, to disclose your HIV positive status to can be difficult, as we have been there ourselves. 

You may want to choose this project as a part of your disclosure strategy, to show others how diverse we are. Being pictured with others may be of comfort to you, as you are not alone. 

If you would like to speak to an HIV positive Peer Support Volunteer, the the Sussex Beacon offers a one to one bespoke service to help stand with you on your journey.

What happens after I send you my three words and three pictures?

All of the photos you submit will be in the online exhibition. We will also choose a couple of dozen entries to enlarge and print, for the exhibition in the library. We would like to contact you, if your entry is chosen, and ask you to send us a few paragraphs to further explain how you are thriving, living with HIV. It is hoped that your story will inspire other people living with HIV. Your words will go alongside your images at the exhibition.

Due to Coronavirus restrictions, we are unable to have a physical exhibition on 1st December 2020. Instead we will display a video slideshow of the portraits on this website, and we hope to have a physical exhibition in Jubilee Library for December 1st 2021

The website will stay online until Jan 1st 2022.