World AIDS Day and the importance of Through the White Door

Today is World AIDS Day. On this day, I read the tributes like Those We Lost to the AIDS Epidemic from The New York Times, or watch films that showcase the creative spirits and organizations lost to the virus. One film in particular I’m eager to see is Leo Herrera’s The FATHERS Project, which imagines a world where AIDS never existed.

As many of you know, a project near and dear to my heart this year is Smiley Pool’s book Through the White Door. Smiley is a dear friend and former colleague, and I was beyond honored to be the book’s designer. Smiley has spent decades — yes, decades — on multiple continents photographing the stories of those who faced the AIDS crisis head-on. You can read more about his journey in this article by my friend Sam Byrd.

This is a book that belongs on every coffee table. Paired with Smiley’s beautiful photographs is the emotionally raw text by the gifted and wonderful Jessica Johns Pool. On more than one occasion my eyes pooled with tears as I put the words and photos together. Her symphonic prose is an unsung star of this book.

I would ask you to consider ordering a copy of Through the White Door (and get copies for your friends). It’s a stunning work of art. All profits from the book go to HIV/AIDS charities. This is an opportunity to help the fight against AIDS and experience a powerful, incredible story.