Leading an Extraordinary Life: Wise Practices for an HIV ... - 2 Spirits

members to increase community capacity. Now that the project is complete, 2-Spirited
People of the 1 st Nations takes ownership of the recommendations and the problems
identified (i.e. barriers to safer sex adoption).
2.3 Study methodology
The consultant developed a Powerpoint© presentation of a cross-sectional sample
of HIV/AIDS prevention posters drawn from Canadian and intercontinental sources that
are representative of the content, styles, approaches, and messages, developed by
Western governments and ASOs, ethnic minorities, and indigenous ASOs. The sample
was inclusive of the two general global strategies: 1) abstinence/monogamy and, 2)
universal condom use. 37 The first strategy is typically regarded as unrealistic and is
inconsistent with CAAN’s embrace of harm reduction, but a few samples representative
of this strategy were included for objective testing. The preponderance of sample posters
reflects multiple approaches to encouraging the normalization of condom use. The
sample posters also reflect three other global strategies: 1) the targeting of specific groups
or cultures, and 2) general information campaigns for heterogeneous audiences, and 3)
targeting specific risk behaviours. An effort was made to include samples of award
winning prevention posters such as Switzerland’s groundbreaking campaigns (see Study
Appendix samples #36, 40, 76 at www.2spirits.com). An effort was also made to include
sample posters developed by internationally known advertising agencies for ASOs like
the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) that have been described as some of “the
most effective, memorable and provocative HIV prevention and education campaigns in
the world” (Study Appendix samples #4, 5, 6, 20, 21, 30, 40, 75 at www.2spirits.com).
Likewise, an equal effort was made to include posters developed by less well-funded,
smaller, grassroots ASOs. Finally, posters designed to reduce HIV/AIDS stigma and
discrimination, and the formation of solidarity with those infected, were included. The
sample posters reflect a broad spectrum of tones, including humour, fear, and glamour,
set in different styles from graphic art to photography. Lastly, the Advisory Committee
recommended the addition of a photograph from The Two Spirit Society of Denver of
37 Wellings and Field 1996: 30.
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