In 2005 the WA AIDS Council celebrated its 20th anniversary since it first began offering care, support, education and prevention to the people of Perth regarding HIV/AIDS.

Last year the council mounted a retrospective visual exhibition of the history of the organisation, curated by Jo Darbyshire. During the time of the exhibition work began on a book that charts the course of the council over the past 21 years.

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This week, Trish Langdon, Executive Director of the WA AIDS Council spoke to OUTinPerth, about the release of the book, titled BEING+.

‘I’m extremely excited to see the history of the organisation committed to paper so that people can have an understanding of just where we have come from during the past 21 years of living with HIV here in Perth.â?

The book, written by historian Chloe Britton will be launched at the beginning of World AIDS Awareness week on Monday 27th November at the Parmelia Hilton.

Ms Britton, who was successful in getting a Community History grant from Lotterywest for the book, was the Co-ordinator of the Freedom Centre for over two years and in that time developed a passion for the work of the WA AIDS Council.

‘The most fascinating element that came through for me in writing and researching the book has been discovering the political/legal struggle that has been endured,â? stated Ms Britton.

‘For so long those working at the Council had to operate within the grey areas of the law.â?

The book will be magazine style, contain 8 chapters, and be close to 100 pages in length, showing that this was not a task that was completed overnight according to the author.

‘The process has taken over a year and the most time consuming element has been the interview process,â? Ms Britton told OUTinPerth.

‘The richest information however came from the forums.â?

Ms Britton held two forums during the year at which over 75 people attended.

‘I was so amazed by how many people attended and that so many people have so much passion when it comes to the AIDS Council,â? added Ms Britton.

The book, which can be purchased from the WA AIDS Council $10, is to be launched by Dr Neale Fong will incorporate the announcement of the WA AIDS Council’s annual World AIDS Day Awards.