Celebrating the Trailblazers: The 9th Annual POZ Awards

Welcome to the 9th Annual POZ Awards, a prestigious event that shines a spotlight on the most impactful representations of HIV and AIDS in media and culture. This year's nominees have captivated audiences, challenged perceptions, and elevated the voices of those living with the virus.

Honoring the Powerful Narratives that Inspire Change

Traversing the Decades: "Fellow Travelers"

"Fellow Travelers" is a captivating eight-part miniseries that takes viewers on a poignant journey through the lives of two political staffers, Hawkins "Hawk" Fuller and Tim Laughlin, during and beyond the 1950s Lavender Scare. Adapted from the 2007 novel of the same name, the series weaves a powerful love story that spans decades, culminating in the 1980s when Tim is diagnosed with HIV while living in San Francisco. This American history told through a queer lens packs an emotional punch, seamlessly blending real historical events and iconography, including the iconic AIDS Memorial Quilt, to create a truly immersive and impactful viewing experience. The series has garnered critical acclaim, winning a Peabody Award and earning three Primetime Emmy nominations.

Shattering Stigma: RuPaul's Drag Race

When it comes to authentically portraying the lives of people living with HIV, few shows have done it better than the Emmy-winning reality series RuPaul's Drag Race. During its 16th season, which aired in the spring of 2024, the series introduced viewers to Kansas City queen Q, who placed fourth in the competition. Q's journey not only showcased her exceptional talent and gag-worthy fashion, but it also demonstrated that individuals with HIV can thrive and excel in high-profile competitions. By treating Q as a multifaceted performer rather than solely defining her by her status, Drag Race once again proved its ability to challenge societal perceptions and celebrate the diverse experiences of the HIV community.

Exploring the Complexities of Love and HIV: "To Live to Die to Live Again"

The contemporary French romance "To Live to Die to Live Again" delves into the nuances and complications of polyamorous relationships, while also addressing the real-life choices and challenges faced by those living with HIV. The film follows the story of a nonmonogamous couple, Emma and Sammy, who move into an apartment above Cyril, a single gay man living with the virus. As Cyril and Sammy begin an affair, Sammy also becomes HIV positive. The film's honest depictions of condom use, PrEP, and the realities of HIV transmission avoid moralizing or punitive narratives, instead offering a compassionate and multifaceted exploration of love, relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Shining a Light on the Rust Belt: "Sister Eileen and Her Boyz, An HIV in the Rust Belt Story"

Directed by University of Toledo professor Holly Hey, the 30-minute documentary "Sister Eileen and Her Boyz, An HIV in the Rust Belt Story" chronicles the remarkable work of Roman Catholic nun Eileen Scheiber, who dedicated her life to caring for gay men living with HIV in the Midwest. The film, which premiered on PBS earlier this year, provides a unique perspective on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, shedding light on the experiences of those living with the virus in the Rust Belt region, an often-overlooked area in the broader narrative. As Hey noted, "A lot of what we hear about the epidemic in the late 1980s and early 1990s is isolated into coastal cities. What was happening here, and the work being done by Sister Eileen, was quite radical for the time." This documentary is part of a larger series that aims to explore the untold stories of those who lived with or cared for individuals with HIV in the Rust Belt, offering a powerful and underrepresented perspective on this pivotal moment in history.