Alabama, The United States of America
Alabama a largely rural state is in poor shape — literally. It has a population of 5 million people 68.4% of them are white and 26.5% of them are black. The state is ranked 46th for income and has a poverty rate of 17% (sixth highest in the US). Alabama has a huge health problem which is race related. All STDs are highest among blacks and Hispanics. According to the latest figures from early 2024 62% of the HIV infected population is black and 28% is white.
The Hub, Birmingham – 1
Alabama, USA
The men and women of Aids Alabama Support Group in Birmingham meet regularly. It is a diverse but close-knit club. They support each other, help each other, inspire each other, laugh with each other and perhaps most importantly; together they make a stand against the strong stigma that is present in Alabama.
We meet the group on a pleasant afternoon at their meeting place on the outskirts of Birmingham’s centre. The ice is quickly broken. They share their stories with great enthusiasm. Their HIV infection was not easy for any one of them. But they have all found the strength to give it a place and to deal with it. Tony, Deborah, Xytarius, Mattie, Alvin, Gigi and Marvin’s life stories – pure inspiration.
Mattie, Tony, Deborah, Alin, Xytarius, Glenda and Marvin creating change in Birmingham, Alabama.
Tony
Mattie
Tony
Marvin
Harry
Photo’s by Vincent van den Hoogen