Document 2029
 DOCN  M94A2029
 TI    Using the AIDS Memorial Quilt as a tool for AIDS awareness.
 DT    9412
 AU    Faigle M; Koijane J; AIDS Education Consultants, San Francisco, CA.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):397 (abstract no. PD0195). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370546
 AB    Since 1987 displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt has been used worldwide
       to visualize the human dimension of the AIDS pandemic to the general
       public with great success. Composed of thousands of individual AIDS
       Memorial panels made by loved ones for someone close to them lost to
       AIDS, the Quilt is unique, but its impact has not been researched from
       an educational point of view. METHODS: The individual AIDS memorial
       panel was centerpoint of the research considering three different
       aspects: First: Quilting has to be seen in the historical context not
       only as a folk art, but also promoting social issues and change. Second:
       Through narrative interviews with panel makers the importance of
       creating an AIDS memorial panel for a loved one lost to AIDS as part if
       the grieving process was determined. Third: The feedback of visitors to
       Quilt displays in form of letters was examined to determine the
       potential impact of seeing the memorial panels. RESULTS: Individual
       level: Creating an AIDS memorial panel can be considered as a way to
       transform the feelings of loss and grief creatively into a very personal
       tribute to a loved one lost to AIDS, often as an important step in the
       letting go process. Each panel becomes a story about the person
       remembered, using very personal momentos on the panel, such as the
       person's name, pictures, clothes, etc. General public level: Parts of a
       very personal story will catch the visitors attention and very often
       move them deeply. Insights into somebody's biography form something that
       can best be described as a personal bond, an important step in getting
       to know the person better. CONCLUSIONS: A Quilt display, a non-formal
       setting for AIDS education, creates an environment and space for people
       where an emotional reaction (by seeing a panel/s) is not only permitted
       but also accepted. The Quilt display itself does not talk about sexual
       preferences or ways of transmission, but in its nature as a memorial
       addresses major taboos surrounding the AIDS-pandemic like death, dying
       and loss. Understanding AIDS on a personal level is key to make people
       willing to listen to the personal implications of a AIDS prevention
       message. Additional AIDS information available at Quilt displays is key
       to satisfy answer to questions generated in seeing the Quilt. No one
       person will have the same reaction in visiting the Quilt. Seeing the
       Quilt does not automatically equal safer sex, but it is one of the most
       effective ways to address AIDS in a non-threating way that have been
       developed so far that motivates people to change their mind.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PREVENTION & CONTROL/  *PSYCHOLOGY
       Adaptation, Psychological  *Art  *Awareness  *Grief  Human  Knowledge,
       Attitudes, Practice  Motivation  Social Change  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).