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"Raising Generation HIV" (previously titled An American Family: An AIDS Legacy) is an upcoming photography documentary book that tells the touching story of a gay couple in Florida. They embarked on a remarkable journey by becoming one of the first foster parents of HIV/AIDS-infected infants. Their unwavering dedication led them to create a loving family environment that eventually included five children affected by HIV/AIDS.

This captivating narrative is divided into two chapters, with the first chapter featured in "Ginger's Book: An AIDS Primer," published by Into the Light Press in 1995. In 1988, two caring nurses, Steven Lofton and Roger Croteau, were working in a Miami hospital's pediatric AIDS unit when they faced a heart-wrenching plea. A terminally ill mother struggling with AIDS-related complications asked them to care for her 8-month-old son, Frank, who was also battling HIV/AIDS. By accepting this profound responsibility, Steven and Roger became pioneers as one of the first couples in the nation to provide foster care to these often overlooked infants who had been abandoned or orphaned.

Their journey continued with the addition of two more HIV/AIDS-affected children, Tracy and Ginger, both one-year-olds with significant health challenges. Steven left his nursing career to care for the children full-time at this pivotal moment, having received specialized foster care training and licensing. Roger continued his essential work as a nurse. In 1991, they joyously welcomed Bert, a biracial infant just nine weeks old, expanding their loving family.

"Raising Generation HIV," a documentary photography book, unveils an inspiring tale that celebrates love, resilience, and family bonds, transcending the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Family Portrait, (2003)

Ginger's Book took you on a journey with the family until their move to Oregon in 1998. Unfortunately, during this time, they lost Ginger,
who succumbed to measles due to her weakened immune system. However, Bert's situation drew significant attention as he reverted to
his legal adoption status, sparking media attention and heated debates involving their supporters and anti-LGBTQ+ Christian fundamentalists and politicians.

In Oregon, the family grew once more, welcoming two HIV-positive brothers: Wayne, aged 5, and Ernie, aged 2. Tomás Gaspar's upcoming book,
"Raising Generation HIV" incorporates Ginger's Book content while delving into the Oregon chapter, bringing the family's story up to the
present day. Gaspar's sensitive documentary photographs pay tribute to this remarkable and courageous family, whose journey is both
inspiring and significant, especially considering the HIV status of the children and the LGBTQ+ status of the parents. It's a testament
to the fact that LGBTQ+ adoption is a legal right for all individuals and couples who aspire to be loving parents.

Beyond being a moving portrayal of a family battling a devastating disease, "Raising Generation HIV" sheds light on one couple's unwavering
commitment to love, dedication, and faith, reflecting the capacity of the LGBTQ+ community to excel as legal guardians, challenging myths and assumptions.

Sources:

Carlos Bell, "The Right to Be Parents," New York University Press, 2012.
Laura A. Turbe, "Florida's Inconsistent Use of the Best Interest of the Child Standard," Stetson Law Review, October 2003.