Communicating truths: promoting HIV and stigma awareness through storytelling and devised performances inspired by the #MayStigmaBa? Project qualitative research

BACKGROUND: Stigma against HIV/AIDS and key populations are well-investigated in the social sciences. However, the endpoint of research is often publication in scientific journals, to which the public may have limited access. This project explored how art can translate scientific research into a widely accessible format.

DESCRIPTION: The project translated insights from the #MayStigmaBa qualitative research into performances. Using the Devising Method (Oddey, 1994; Heddon & Milling 2006), four performer-collaborators and the devising director performed the following in 11 days: dramatistic-thematic analysis; improvisation, storytelling, and scene studies exploration; live scriptwriting; output refinement; and filming. Five films (3 to 5 minutes each) were produced, each representing and communicating the following insights from the research: layers of stigma on LGBT persons; psychological distress experienced when considering an HIV test; difficulty of sex conversations; challenges of starting sex conversations; and media viewing as an aid for beginning challenging conversations. The videos were launched through a public Livestream and released on YouTube.

LESSONS LEARNED: The project demonstrated that devising can translate qualitative research data into a widely communicable medium within a short timeframe. The collaborative-reflective process enabled artists to reflect upon their own stigma experiences and deepen their understanding of stigma as a social issue.

CONCLUSIONS: By translating research into a widely communicable medium, the arts may aid in disseminating scientific knowledge to audiences beyond the scientific community, which may be important for consensus building for stigmatized communities and their allies. Devising may be a technique for deepening the commitment of individuals to combat stigma in their communities. Next steps entail formal evaluation on the reach and effectiveness of the stigma reduction campaign. This will be used in HIV program development towards achieving the UNAIDS Global Strategy of having less than 10% of key populations experiencing stigma and discrimination. Following the recommendations of the Human Rights Baseline Report Philippines (PA 1.4: Expansion of outreach activities to include specific attention to stigma and discrimination as barriers to access to services), the devising methodology, as well as the outputs, can be used to create information, education, and communication materials and outreach activities.