Short description
Clouds move is a life story, a love story, an HIV story and a gay story. It is
Derrick Fine's journey of positive living and hope in a challenging personal and
political environment for people living with HIV in South Africa.
Long description
Clouds move is a poignant and revealing memoir of living with HIV in South Africa. The first in an Openly Positive series, this is Derrick Fine’s life story expressed in words, poems, photos and cartoons. Yet it’s also the story of many people fighting for access to treatment and searching for light in a bleak political landscape.
Through flashbacks to his early years, the challenges of coming out as a gay man, his gradual disclosure of living with HIV and the joy of finding love, Derrick’s personal journey celebrates life and calls for the greater visibility of people living with HIV.
Clouds move encourages us to reflect on our own lives, with its useful lessons and questions for discussion, and positive language guidelines to help reduce HIV stigma. You can use these learning tools on your own, in awareness workshops and in support groups.
Review
There can be few South Africans who have not been personally affected by HIV in some way. As Derrick's uncle, I have a personal interest in HIV/AIDS. I salute Derrick and all people living openly with HIV. These are South Africans who have the strength of character to stand up for what is right and the willingness to share their experiences with all who care. -- RAYMOND ACKERMAN, Chairman of Pick 'n Pay Clouds move encourages us to disclose living with HIV to our loved ones when we feel ready. Our friends are still dying because of a lack of information and access to ARV treatment. Derrick's story shows that access to treatment gives us hope for the future and lightens the burden of living with HIV. -- ANNE LEBETHE, Openly Positive trustee and person living with HIV for 12 years Through his life experiences, Derrick moves us out of the darkness of our own challenges to examine who and where we are in the momentous battle against HIV. This is a story about finding ourselves and being true to our conscience, while continuing to be true to who we are and to what South Africa's democracy stands for.' -- DR ASHRAF GRIMWOOD, Executive Director: ARK and community HIV specialist Clouds move is a personal love story, but it's also a powerful story about people from all walks of life. It encourages us to communicate positively and live our lives beyond the boundaries of HIV. Derrick's story motivates all of us as people living with HIV to begin to own our stories and to learn from each other. -- DR MASIAS MAKHALEMELE, Director: Project Footprint and person living with HIV for 14 years