POTENTIAL OF THE GRAPHIC NOVEL "BLUE PILLS" TO DEMYSTIFY STIGMAS ABOUT HIV THROUGH CURRICULAR CONTENT

Abstract

Despite advances in public policy and health care, it is estimated that more than 1 million people in Brazil live with HIV. Health education is an important prophylactic measure that could help disseminate information to reduce the increase in cases. Among the various strategies used in educational processes, visual media are strong allies due to their significant communication potential. The objective of this study was to analyze the graphic novel "Blue Pills" to identify its potential for addressing HIV in science and biology education. "Blue Pills" is an autobiographical graphic novel by Frederik Peeters that depicts his challenges and anxieties upon discovering that his girlfriend, Cati, and her son are HIV positive. We conducted a content analysis of the work, examining both visual and textual elements to evaluate its potential use in teaching. Our analysis identified 67 excerpts related to the research topic, which we categorized into five themes: “Prejudices and Stigmas,” “Care and Treatment,” “Transmission and Reproduction of the Virus,” “Emotional and Psychological Impacts,” and “Social View of Science.” Peeters effectively presents HIV in an empathetic and accessible manner, contextualizing complex and often stigmatized issues for readers. Consequently, we believe the material has potential for educational use, despite existing restrictions in the Brazilian National Common Curricular Base (BNCC). Additionally, it contributes to the social debate on issues pertinent to the daily lives of HIV-positive individuals, helping to demystify stigmas entrenched in the collective imagination.