Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Anti-Stigma Public Service Announcements Break New Ground in Creative and Dramatic Content

Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Anti-Stigma Public Service Announcements Break New Ground in Creative and Dramatic Content

SAN FRANCISCO, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The national launch of The Banyan Tree Project included the production of two groundbreaking 30-second public service announcements (PSAs) which revolve around the tagline message, "Rooted in Acceptance" and the call for a more compassionate, understanding attitude towards Asian & Pacific Islanders (A&PIs) at risk for, or living with HIV/AIDS.

The two PSAs have been tagged and tailored for distribution across the U.S., including one version in Pidgin English for Hawaii. For the next 30 days, it is estimated that more than 100 million households will be touched by these spots. Cable company sponsors such as Comcast (SF, Chicago and Boston) and Adelphia (LA), as well as cable/telecommunications industry AIDS action group Cable Positive, have made it possible for these PSAs to be aired not only on Asian and LGBT-oriented cable channels but also on cable networks such as the Discovery Channel, USA Network and MTV. Local SF broadcast network CBS5/UPN is also contributing airtime on its local channel.

"Changing Tables" features a family conversation between two brothers. The older brother is raging about the spectre of HIV, and the shame brought on the family by a positive diagnosis. His younger brother listens, despondent, silent, as his brother scolds him. Finally, the older brother reveals that it is he who is HIV+, anguishing about facing the future alone. With the tender touch of his hand, the younger brother assures his older brother that his family will be there for him.

"Breaking Tradition" tells the story of two women, good friends who are sharing coffee and commiserating about their children. A daughter is marrying a man outside of her ethnic group. A son is leaving college to find himself. As the women try to one-up each other's tales of woe, one of the women reveals to her friend that while she initially felt shame when she learned of her son's HIV+ status, it was the love for her child that helped changed her attitude from despair to one of love and acceptance for both their sakes.

These spots are available for airing in local markets. For more information, please contact: Nancy Hom, the Hom Team at 415.409.0198. E-mail: nancy@homteam.com

For more information on the Banyan Tree Project visit: www.banyantreeproject.org

Source: The Banyan Tree Project

CONTACT: Nancy Hom of the Hom Team, +1-415-409-0198, or
nancy@homteam.com

Web site: http://www.banyantreeproject.org/

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