Reclamation of marginalized voices in harm reduction

Shira Hassan's book, 'Saving Our Own Lives,' aims to reclaim the voices of marginalized communities, such as sex workers, BIPOC sex workers, trans sex workers, and drug users, within the framework of harm reduction. It addresses the erasure of these voices in mainstream harm reduction practices, highlighting that these communities have historically been the architects of harm reduction efforts. The book serves as an intervention in public health and seeks to challenge the systems that marginalize and exclude these communities. While harm reduction should be a part of public health, it is crucial that it honors body autonomy and self-determination, which are fundamental aspects of practicing harm reduction in its authentic form.