Positively Beautiful exists to reclaim the identities of people living with HIV/AIDS. Through makeup, hair, and fashion we help to erase identifying physical side effects of the HIV virus and medications. It is one more step in draining away the power HIV/AIDS has on our daily lives. HIV is not our identity. Positively Beautiful is about living.
What It's About:
Positively Beautiful is a day dedicated to Living with HIV/AIDS. In the United States HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence– largely due to the availability of effective medications. However, these medications have profound side effects that cause visible physical changes. On March 26, 2007 a group of Tucson, AZ friends and locals came together and found an answer. Through the art of makeup, hair, and fashion, Positively Beautiful is focused on erasing these distinctive side effects for women living with HIV/AIDS in southeastern Arizona. These women are mothers, daughters, sisters, lovers, artists, professionals, grandmothers, fighters, wives, and women first. HIV/AIDS is not their identity. These are Women Living with HIV/AIDS – These Women are Positively Beautiful. Principal Photographer: Zachary Yanez and Hank Tuskinski