What's the Point?
Largely, it's for documentation and reference for present and coming generations interested in an (as in one) aspect of the LGBTQ community.
Also, something about capturing a moment in time of current medical advancements minus a cure and before proving 'you're not bot' elevates further :)
What's with 'X∙Y∙Z'?
While all voices are welcome, we're keen on coming-of-age experiences, those graduating into society's work force in relation to the medical advancements of the HAART 'drug cocktail' (late 1990's) and Truvada & Descovey (mid-late 2010's).
This aligns to people born the later part of Generation X (early 1970's) and Generations Y & Z.
So, X∙Y∙Z
About Voices Near HIV X∙Y∙Z
Story
Never experiencing life without the context of HIV, two prescription drug milestones left their game-changing marks.
One halted HIV's death sentence inevitability. One altered ingrained concepts and behaviors.
Post-pandemic inspirations brought attention to a lull in documenting LGBTQ voices left in the aftermath of another viral epidemic that peaked four decades ago.
Goal
Collect and archive stories from interviews, capturing experiences impacted by HIV in life, in society and from within.
Publish content to social media (primarily a YouTube channel) after accounting for desired anonymity.
Compile and provide data of ‘empirical intent’ collected during the interviews.
Stakeholders
Contributors: At our core are individuals willing to share their stories and experiences.
Operators: Managers of the careful and secure collection, preservation, and dissemination of these narratives.
Ethics Council: Volunteers dedicated to safeguarding our project's ethical standards.
Patrons: Funders of our mission who enabled the recording and sharing of these stories.
Audience: Viewers engaging the content, broadening the impact of these voices.
Integrity
Process iteration for verifiable transparency ensures stakeholders know:
- Content is not monetized or provided to external parties
- Personal discussions of such intimate nature are performed professionally
- Consent and its acknowledgement are procedurally documented
- Contributors hold lasting rights to rescind contributions
Methodology
We'll primarily use virtual interviews, with in-person options as feasible.
A standard interview guide is shared beforehand to suggest conversation flow. However, it is a roadmap to actively listen to contributors’ voices.
Participants will also receive guidelines on legal boundaries, as well as suggestions on mindfulness.
Each session will allow time for clarifying questions pre-recording and a review post-interview to ensure accuracy and to call out any non-publishable moments.
Other Information
Privacy & Security: After scheduling, communication and recording transitions to other technology platforms to ensure latest cybersecurity standards.
Disclaimer: This project does not mean to discriminate, cause bias or provide content to do so. Also, while generationally themed, all voices wishing to contribute are welcome.
Acknowledgements: While backend IT design is A.I. assistance free, the project's initial formation was a collaboration with an LLM. Hopefully, the effort comes to exemplify the technology's creative possibilities.
-C. Ladd, March 3rd, 2024
please note:
Share what you're comfortable with.
Anonymity options will be offered. Suggestions to improve upon this endeavor are welcomed.
We wish to expand beyond traditional questions, such as, when did you "come out", have a first 'experience', your HIV status, how you identify, your orientation...
Project Plan
Pilot
- Use at-hand resources to bootstrap 1-2 dozen interviews.
- Use interviews and developing network to sanity check and iterate initial drafts of interview guidelines, operations playbook and concept and style guide.
- Publish a pilot episode to YouTube and lessons learned document for Patrons.
Validate Launch
At the pilot's completion, evaluate sufficient interest in participation, viewership and funding to evolve the effort to the next level.
Stretch Goal
Pride 2024 and inherent local festivities are a few months away.
Ideally, a fully operationalized Voices Near HIV XYZ is ramped to
capture experiences.
On Impetus, Lifespan, other FAQs...
