From The HeArt

Celebrating and Recognizing HIV+ Women and Femmes in San Diego

From the HeArt is a Townspeople pop-up window art display on exhibit from February 14–28 featuring handmade Valentines with messages of love, encouragement, and support to HIV+ women and femmes living in San Diego.

Debuted in 2023, the Valentines were exhibited from the Townspeople Office located on El Cajon Boulevard. Each of the 30 paper Valentines were made and contributed by Townspeople staff, community partners, and members of the San Diego community who follow and support Townspeople’s mission. We’re grateful to everyone who participated!

The project is inspired by LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN, an ongoing project established by the New York-based nonprofit Visual AIDS in 2013 that’s grown to become an international series of events that uses Valentine’s Day as a backdrop to celebrate HIV+ women and femmes.

Women and femmes living with HIV often experience isolation and stigma, and face specific challenges around relationships, parenthood, and healthcare. As a minority of cases in San Diego County, the unique needs and experiences of HIV+ women and femmes in our community can unintentionally be overshadowed. In solidarity with the goal of LOVE POSITIVE WOMEN to create a platform for individuals and communities to engage in acts of love and care for women and femmes living with HIV, Townspeople’s From the HeArt window art display aims to remind HIV+ women and femmes in San Diego that they are seen, and encourages the San Diego public at large to advocate for equitable access to housing and supportive resources for HIV+ women and femmes.

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Founded in 1984, Townspeople serves San Diego’s most vulnerable citizens, including those living with HIV/AIDS, by providing them with equitable access to safe, affordable housing and ongoing supportive services. Our work is made possible with the generosity of our community. If you’re able, please support our mission with a donation today.