The silence of reason: Ethnography of the management of secrecy among young people living with HIV in Kinshasa

• Secrets are managed hierarchically based on trust and social context.

• Youth develop secrecy strategies as agency against stigma and social harm.

• Young women face double stigma and adopt stricter concealment strategies.

• Adherence to treatment helps protect identity and avoid suspicion.

• Photovoice reveals hidden tensions missed by conventional approaches.