HIV Poetry Collection “Holding HIV: Poems of HOPE” Named 2026 International Book Awards Finalist

The poetry collection Holding HIV: Poems of HOPE has been named a Nonfiction: Cross-Genre Finalist in the 2026 International Book Awards. Hosted by the American Book Fest, the International Book Awards are a major literary contest that annually evaluates thousands of entries from mainstream and independent authors worldwide.

Authored by Dr. Pauline Sameshima (Professor, Faculty of Education), Emily Turner (Master of Education graduate), and Dazié Grego-Sykes (California-based poet, performer, and multidisciplinary artist), the collection brings together the voices of 27 community members in San Francisco who are living with or affected by HIV. 

Developed through the HOPE Research Collaboratory’s Community Arts Integrated Research program, the collection is rooted in participants’ narratives from an HIV cure research study that intentionally bridged scientific inquiry with creative expression.

Participants engaged in hands-on artistic processes, including sculpting clay “holders” in response to the “Block-Lock-Stop” epigenetic strategy, and reflecting on what excites them about a potential HIV cure as well as fears it raises. These discussions were then translated into poetry, capturing both deeply personal testimony and broader social realities, including concerns tied to recent reductions in U.S. federal HIV funding.

This marks the book’s additional recognition, following its 2025 finalist placement in the Literary Global Book Awards in four categories: Nonfiction – LGBTQ;  Nonfiction – Social Change;  Nonfiction – Best Cover Design; and Poetry – Nonfiction.

Endorsements of the recently published book highlight its significance. Dr. Patricia Defechereux (Community Engagement Coordinator of the HOPE Martin Delaney Collaboratory) wrote: “This is an amazing book! Dive in! Listen to the collective voice that weaves together humanity, anger, community, a sense of belonging, a deep lasting resilience, and above all, love.”

Paul Edmonds (The City of Hope Patient, cured of HIV through a stem cell transplant) wrote: “I am blown away by this powerful collection of poems—raw, honest, and unapologetic reflections from the San Francisco HIV community. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the complexities of the HIV journey.”