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HIV: Free of Stigma

In the early years, there was little understanding of HIV and a misguided belief existed that an HIV infection was an automatic death sentence. This fueled fear, stigma and discrimination. With time came a better understanding; one where it was clear how infection occurred. Before long, a new understanding evolved; not everyone who became infected with HIV died!

HIV is not an airborne disease and it has very specific means of infection. With this knowledge, one would think that we could have abolished the stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS a very long time ago. Out of ignorance, people living with HIV and AIDS have been subjected to and continue to endure these attitudes. In reality, there is no reason to fear an individual, who is infected with HIV! The dangers of infection arise through having unprotected sex, sharing needles or receiving a blood transfusion of HIV infected blood.

With the new understanding, individuals infected with HIV should never have been treated any differently than anyone else living with other illnesses. Fear set the tone and lack of knowledge fueled it. Living with HIV for some 25 years now, I am amazed at the high level of ignorance about HIV and by the rate of new infections. HIV could have been stopped dead in its tracks if people had received the proper information and if everyone practiced safe sex.

Fortunately, many people are aware there is no need to fear individuals infected with HIV. Those, who are infected and who have disclosed their HIV status have worked hard to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination. However, we have failed to put these courageous individuals in the forefront, to assist in educating the general public. People need to see others living with HIV!

Many people, living with HIV and AIDS, are not being stigmatized or discriminated against and are living long and healthy lives. Yet, the misconceptions continue. People continue to hide their HIV infection for fear of stigma and discrimination. How many more years will it take before we get it right? The time is long overdue, to accept and not fear those, who are infected with HIV. Now is the time to be free of hiding and free of stigma and discrimination.

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
http://www.PositivelyPositive.ca
Vancouver, Canada

Source: http://www.positivelypositive.ca/articles/HIV_Stigma.html

January 12, 2010 | 1:24 PM Comments  0 comments

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U.S. HIV Travel Ban
Related to country: United States

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

U.S. HIV Travel Ban

Mr. Obama, please lift this ban!

On August 16th 2009, supporters of lifting the 22 year-old U.S. HIV travel ban, from both Canada and the United States, enjoyed the Sunday morning sunshine in a spectacular outdoor setting, in Peace Arch Park, at the border between Canada and the United States.

“Mr. Obama, please lift this ban!” said Martin Rooney, an individual infected with HIV and dedicated to creating HIV and AIDS awareness locally and internationally. Martin Rooney was denied entry into the United States in 2007 because of his HIV status. He was detained 3 hours, fingerprinted and photographed, before being told he could not enter the United States and was told to return to Canada.

Martin Rooney chose Peace Arch Park at the Canadian and U.S. border as the location for a rally he organized in support of the United States lifting the HIV Travel Ban, which is a discriminatory ban preventing anyone infected with HIV from entering the United States.

“I chose the Peace Arch as the symbol of open borders.”

Atop the Peace Arch Monument are the words “BRETHREN DWELLING TOGETHER IN UNITY”. This was a peaceful rally, meant to draw attention to the HIV Travel Ban issue and in support of the U.S. government passing legislation eliminating the ban completely.

As the HIV Travel Ban stands today, an HIV-positive person must apply for a waiver, a special travel visa and pay $131.00. A final review may take months before the person is then allowed to enter the United States.

HIV should not be listed as communicable.

“I want you to know that I was able to cross the border from the United States to Canada with my HIV medications in hand, without the slightest worry that I would be barred from entry. I am ashamed to say that it would not be the same if I were an HIV+ Canadian going in the other direction.” said Charles King, President and CEO of Housing Works, NYC, who spoke at the rally.

1.5 million HIV+ American Citizens enjoy the freedom to leave and travel outside their country.

Most people are not aware that HIV-positive individuals who live outside the United States are banned from entering the U. S. They are shocked and disgusted that access is denied on this basis!

In June, 60 Canadians living with HIV and who were planning to attend the North American Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit in Washington, D.C. were denied entry into the U.S.

In order to enter the United States, people living with HIV and AIDS may decide to leave their HIV/AIDS meds at home fearing they will be turned away at the U.S. border if found out to be HIV+.

I have been HIV-positive for 25 years and I have not visited the United States since 1997, when I started antiretroviral drugs because I refuse to lie to immigration officers at the border, hide my meds and risk my health!

Stopping the usage of HIV/AIDS medications, for as short a time frame as one day, can create a window of opportunity for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), to become drug resistant to the medications that an individual takes. Viral replication can then occur with subsequent illness and even death! This is a risk that HIV+ people may choose for many personal reasons: visit partners, families and friends, seek specific medical treatment, attend HIV/AIDS related events and conferences, participate as an invited speaker or resource person at various venues to provide information on assorted topics, (which may include HIV and AIDS education and awareness) and perhaps, simply to enjoy vacations in the United States.

People are not getting tested for HIV and not getting treated because of the stigma and discrimination. When receiving treatment, people are less likely to infect others, which prevents the spread of HIV. Worldwide, prevention methods now support using antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to stop the spread of HIV!

An International AIDS Conference has not been held in the United States since 1990. However, the International AIDS Society has voiced interest in considering the United States for the 2012 International AIDS Conference if the U.S. drops the ban.

"The IAS’s opposition to the ban is rooted in its history as the convener of the International AIDS Conference. A fundamental principle of the IAS is that people living with HIV should be able to participate fully and without restrictions at HIV conferences. Hence, the conference has not been held in the U.S. since 1990 because of the ban on entry of people living with HIV,” explained Dr Montaner.
Media Release: June 11, 2009 - IAS Investigates Washington D.C. as Host of 2012 International AIDS Conference

There were approximately 30-50 people who attended the rally. This low attendance clearly shows that HIV+ people still don’t want others to know they are HIV-positive. None, of the HIV+ individuals working for Vancouver HIV/AIDS organizations attended. In fact, there were not any Vancouver AIDS organizations at the rally. Meanwhile, other individuals infected with HIV, their partners, families and friends, community members and politicians made every effort to be there. We need everyone, who is HIV+ to Come Out if we are ever to get rid of the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. We need the voices of individuals infected with HIV to stand and have their voices heard and counted. How long will (HIV+) people sit on the sidelines letting others do all the work?

Charles King, in his speech voiced that given the geographical proximity of the rally that he was ashamed that so few HIV+ people from the United States were in attendance and apparently, that they did not think it important to show up in support of the rally.

I contacted AIDS Vancouver and was told that they don’t attend any HIV/AIDS events. There were not any representatives from British Columbia Persons with AIDS Society (BCPWA) at the rally either. I have been told many there feared being placed on a list by the U.S. government, if they attended the rally and that this would prevent them from crossing the border in the future.

Speakers at the rally included: Martin Rooney, Charles King, David Parsons, Surrey Acting Mayor Barinder Rasode, Dr. Hedy Fry Liberal M.P. Vancouver-Centre, Sue Hammel NDP MLA Surrey-Green Timbers and Victor Elkins, Hospital Employees Union.

Supporters in attendance included: government, media, sponsors and fans of the band FAIRFIRE.

Indie Rock Band FAIRFIRE, who donated their time and sound equipment, provided entertainment.
Staging subsidized by Wild Coast Productions donated by Bruce Ralston MLA & Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 402 City of Surrey Employees.
Deborah Payment and Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Fraser Valley West Local donated tent rental.
VIP Tent and refreshments were donated & hosted by the Out In Surrey Rainbow Cultural Society, Surrey's original Gay Lesbian Bi-sexual Trans-gendered Queer organization.
The BC Government and Service Employees Union donated printing.
The AIDS Bear was donated by Dab the AIDS Bear Project, Florida.
AIDS Ribbons were donated and made by Alan Bygrave and Christine McNabb Simpson.

I believe the Rally was very successful and informative. Earlier before the Rally started, while the band was setting up their equipment, the interval provided a perfect opportunity for the media to interview the people in attendance.

Many media representatives from Canada and from the United States reported on this important event. These media outlets prepared reports on the HIV Travel Ban Rally for print, television and radio transmissions. However, all of the media referred to attendees as AIDS Activists. What I observed were people living with HIV, their partners, families and friends being active in their participation. For most of them, this was the first rally they had ever attended and most of those in attendance do not consider themselves to be AIDS Activists.

There is no scientific basis for this current HIV travel ban. HIV infection may or may not cause progression to disease or death. There are people infected with HIV, who have never had any immune suppression and have never had any HIV replicated in their bodies. There are individuals, who were infected with HIV through receiving tainted blood. Doctors, nurses and health care providers have been infected with HIV accidentally. There are HIV positive infected individuals, who are refusing to be tested for HIV, for fear of discrimination.

There are people infected with HIV, who are now seniors. Since the emergence of HIV, mothers have given birth and their adult children have given birth. Now, there are generations of people infected with HIV. People of all ages and from all walks of life are infected with HIV.

On a personal note, I have been infected with HIV since 1984. My cd4 count (Immune System) is a strong 940. My blood work shows that I have been undetectable for HIV since 1997, when I first started HIV/AIDS medications. Any one of the above examples is sufficient reason for removing the HIV Travel Ban in the United States and everywhere that a similar travel ban exists!

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
Founder: Positively Positive - Living with HIV/AIDS
www.PositivelyPositive.ca
Vancouver, Canada

To View page:
http://www.positivelypositive.ca/hiv-aids-news/US_HIV_Travel_Ban.html



August 26, 2009 | 7:47 PM Comments  0 comments

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U.S. President George Bush ignores methods of HIV prevention that work!
Related to country: United States


U.S. President George Bush ignores methods of HIV prevention that work!
Who is informing the president on HIV and AIDS?


Failure of the American president to recognize the need to promote condoms has not only undermined over two decades of HIV prevention that work but also, the president’s government policies on HIV/AIDS prevention are endangering lives! President Bush is not in touch with what works and what doesn't. He fails to understand the importance of promoting condom use to prevent HIV infections from occurring. Condoms have been used successfully to prevent HIV infections from the time, when HIV was first known to be a sexually transmitted disease!

Due to his faith-based beliefs, President Bush has completely disregarded the successes of HIV/AIDS programs that promote condom use. Preventative information, the need to use a condom, instruction on how to use a condom and providing condoms should be forefront in HIV preventative efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. This president has undermined the importance of condom usage and instead, promotes fidelity and abstinence as top priorities.

Fidelity and abstinence are known to be of little effect in reducing HIV infection! Many people have been infected with HIV while believing that they were in a monogamous (faithful) relationship. However, their partner was not faithful! Abstinence is a choice but with that comes the need to recognize the importance of using a condom once the person chooses to become active sexually. Individuals who choose abstinence are often infected with HIV because they do not use a condom when they begin a sexual relationship.

We know that in the twenty-five years since the emergence of HIV, there have been nearly 30 million deaths and currently, over 40 million people are infected with human immune deficiency virus (HIV). The President of the United States and others must realize the important role of condoms in prevention of disease. Consider these points:

HIV does not discriminate and infects people of every age, sex, race, culture, faith and sexual orientation.

Condoms save lives.

Condoms can and do prevent HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Promoting condoms does not promote sexual activity.

Individuals who engage in sex without a condom are at risk of being infected with HIV or multiple HIV exposures, putting themselves and others at risk of HIV infection. When HIV infection occurs, an individual is at risk of being resistant to all the HIV/AIDS drugs that the person who infected them was using.

The number of people infected with HIV who do not get tested is likely in the millions. There are individuals who know they have been infected with HIV but who have opted out of getting tested.

There are men (in relationships with women) who do not define themselves as gay but who are engaging in unprotected sex with men.

Unfortunately, with the spread of HIV, there are now what is referred to as ‘Bug Chasers’ and ‘Gifters’. Bug chasers are individuals who are looking (seeking out) to be infected with HIV. Gifters are those who would purposely give (infect) HIV to an HIV negative individual.

There are heterosexuals, bisexuals, transsexuals, lesbians and homosexuals who are engaging in sex without a condom. Oral and anal sex is on the rise! HIV infection occurs in all of these groups.

HIV infections occur through sex workers (prostitution).

HIV Infections occur through the sharing of needles (IV drug users).

Individuals assume from HIV/AIDS media reports that unless they live in places like Africa, China, Russia, India and others where HIV infections are climbing, that they are unlikely to be infected with HIV. Wrong! HIV infection occurs within and outside of high-risk groups. People who believed themselves NOT in a high-risk group are being infected! The spread of HIV has broadened its reaches to encompass much of the world. Many people fail to see that it is a very real threat in their own communities, regardless of the location.

Everyone should be informed of these matters.


President Bush has policies, which do not support, denies or withdraws its funding to NGOs, HIV/AIDS organizations and others who promote condom use as a first line of defense for HIV prevention and this is frightening! Equally scary is Presidents Bush's misguided HIV prevention policies. These policies restrict U.S. funding to U.S. and global NGOs and HIV/AIDS organizations, which provide services for sex workers and IV drug users. These policies have frustrated and angered the rest of the world!

In twenty-five years, we have three generations (mothers, daughters and their children) infected with HIV! Lack of prevention in the spread of HIV means many more generations will be burdened with HIV infections and AIDS deaths!

Misguided or ill informed, U.S. President George Bush has not put in place evidenced based HIV/AIDS preventative policies. This administration’s present HIV prevention policies do not address the needs of Americans (1 million Americans are infected with HIV) or those in any other part of the world.

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
www.PositivelyPositive.ca
Vancouver, Canada

May 26, 2006 | 12:53 PM Comments  0 comments

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Bio-Alcamid Receives Health Canada Approval!
Related to country: Canada


Bio-Alcamid Receives Health Canada Approval!

The arrival of Bio-Alcamid™ is exceptional news to men and women suffering from Lipoatrophy, the disfiguring condition that is often a result of the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection and AIDS.

Press Release
BIO-ALCAMID™ RECEIVES HEALTH CANADA APPROVAL!

The Injectable Filler Offers an Effective, Affordable Treatment for Facial Lipoatrophy, the Facial Wasting Associated with HIV Infection and AIDS

Pur Medical Corporation, a Canadian distributor of innovative medical and medical cosmetic enhancement products, has introduced Bio-Alcamid™ to the Canadian market. In use in a number of European countries since 2001, Bio-Alcamid™ is an injectable solution which restores the natural fullness and contours of the face when injected under the skin. The arrival of Bio-Alcamid™ is exceptional news to men and women suffering from Lipoatrophy, the disfiguring condition that is often a result of the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection and AIDS.

Lipoatrophy, often referred to as facial wasting, has become the “scarlet letter” of HIV, a public mark of HIV infection. The daily arsenal of antiretroviral drugs can take a tremendous toll on the quality of daily life causing anemia, extreme fatigue and severe gastrointestinal problems. With the addition of the facial disfigurement of Lipoatrophy, patients are forced to endure a constant visual reminder of the infection, essentially announcing to the world that they are HIV positive or have AIDS. Often, the result is extreme depression, leading to a decision by some to forego the medication they require to survive.

“Until now, Canadian HIV patients living with facial Lipoatrophy have not had a viable treatment,” says Toronto cosmetic plastic surgeon, Frank Beninger, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C). “Bio-Alcamid™ may be used in the large volume necessary to restore fat loss. My patients have been thrilled with the results.” Mona Loufty, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C) MPH - Infectious Disease Specialist at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Medical Clinic concurs, saying “Bio-Alcamid™ has reversed the affects of Lipoatrophy in all the patients that we have treated. It is a quick, simple procedure with outstanding results.”

When injected under the skin, Bio-Alcamid™, an injectable gel polymer, replaces depleted fat tissue, restoring the natural fullness and contours of the face. Unlike other injectable fillers that are commonly used in cosmetic enhancement, Bio-Alcamid™ acts like a gel prosthesis that becomes encapsulated in a thin layer of collagen that isolates it from the host tissues. As a result, a physician can remove Bio-Alcamid™ should this ever be desired. Bio-Alcamid has been used outside Canada in large volumes for the reconstruction of other anatomical areas, namely, buttocks, de-nervated shoulders, and a majority of the time in Europe for facial aesthetic enhancement.

Since November, 2004, more than 1000 Bio-Alcamid treatments have been performed in Canada, under provisions of the Special Access Program, to exceptional results. Bio-Alcamid is now approved by Health Canada’s Medical Devices Bureau, with treatments available through select, trained physicians across Canada. Potential patients can find a physician treating Lipoatrophy with Bio-Alcamid™ by visiting www.purmedical.com or emailing info@purmedical.com. Alternatively, further information is also available from the Face Forward Foundation, www.faceforward.ca , a non-profit foundation that supports people dealing with the physical and psychological side effects of HIV infection.


April 18, 2006 | 1:29 PM Comments  0 comments

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Showing Up For Life!

Showing Up For Life!

It was a day just like any other day; I was at work getting set up and ready to get back to work after having lunch. I looked up from my station and while gazing across the salon, I noticed a radiant woman, beautifully dressed, standing at the receptionist’s desk. A stunning woman, with a short layered hairstyle; a shiny silvery salt and pepper colour throughout. She was fashionably dressed and carried herself with style and grace. I don’t know why, but I had a good sense she was there to see me.

She was my next client! Diahne was her name and once seated at my station, she just turned right around in the chair and looked right at me and said “I’m here!” Usually, client and stylist communicate through the mirror they are facing. I acknowledged her, voicing I was happy to meet her and then tried to turn her around and get going on her haircut. Again, she turned and said even more forcefully, “no, I’m here!” Feeling a little awkward about this somewhat, I moved right along into conversation, preparing to cut and style her hair.

Diahne was a most interesting individual, her conversations not like any I had heard before. She talked on about unique subjects and some of which I interpreted as a little quirky. But I like quirky, and I immediately liked her! She spoke of ideas and concepts that seemed a little out there but with such intelligence and wisdom conveyed. If you didn’t understand what she was talking about, you knew she had answers which allowed you to move from your doubts, knowing what she said was completely feasible. She intrigued me and sparked my interest to hear more.

The same time every week, Diahne drove from Montreal to Ottawa for her appointment with me; we talked excitedly and laughed uproariously throughout her appointments. Then we decided to take our relationship outside of the salon and get together the next week at my home in Hull, Quebec. She would come on my day off. When Diahne came to the apartment the next week, she sat at the dining room table and I poured us a cup of tea. Diahne proceeded to tell me everything we talked about from the very first time we connected, was about creating a Trust.

Having created a comfort zone, Diahne explained many things which somehow made sense, so I was all ears. Listening, her words vibrated in my soul. She talked to every cell in my body. What she was saying was somehow being instilled inside of me, talking to every part of my mental, emotional, physical and spiritual body. At this time in my life I hadn’t really explored or considered myself having much of a connection to spirit. I had my own beliefs, with many different ideas about religion and spirituality, collecting bits and piece’s like I thought everyone else had done throughout their lives.

Following with bated breath on her every word, Diahne told me she had specifically come into my life to tell me something. The next sentence she would speak was to change my life immediately and forever. Diahne said, “I have come to tell you that you have suffered long enough, and hard enough, and it was time to get on with your life! I wondered where this woman came from. Why was this taking place? Why is Diahne telling me all this? How does she know?

Undoubtedly, I knew this was true! I had suffered for a long time.

Is this not true for many of us? Have we not suffered enough? Everything Diahne said was true for me, but it rang loud and true this was not just about me. All of the many messages she conveyed had a much broader scope. Somehow Diahne instilled the meaning of LIFE and the workings of the Universe. Passing on to me, a new understanding of our purpose! Hours passed while we talked, and then Diahne left to go back to Montreal.

The following week I looked forward to her visit. Diahne’s name was not in the appointment book where it had been every week. Weeks would pass and turn into years, never again to see Diahne, an extraordinary woman who changed my life!

I haven’t told a lot of people about Diahne, but it seems when ever thoughts or conversation come up about Diahne and this experience, even if months or years go by between thinking of her, I have a sense that when speaking of Diahne, it is exactly when I need to! And perfect for each and every situation when it does come up. Like right now, it is supporting me in what is now my focus around my health and living.

Diahne if you are out there, look where I went with the life force you instilled in me!

I believe this was the start, the beginning of my new journey. A journey from fear to LOVE! The early beginning’s of Showing Up For Life!

That’s exactly what Diahne did! I was a changed person. I knew inside myself everything she said was true. Four years passed from the time I was told I had six months to live, living in my own prison, hiding the fact I was infected with the AIDS virus. Diahne was right on the mark too, was I going to spend another four years waiting to die? Or, get on with my life!

A realization occurred after Diahne left. I went across the street to the local Provi Soir {corner store} and found myself chatting with the cashier. I’d often been talking with her in the store. An invisible wall came down. Years of telling myself I couldn’t let anyone into my life and yet the Truth was; we had been having a relationship on some level all along. We knew we liked each other. It was my wall! This wall prevented me from seeing this relationship existed. I just didn’t see it. Because I was infected with HIV, I had chosen to move far away from family and friends so no one would see me get sick and die of AIDS and to not get close to people or believe I could! And when I let down that wall I created, a world of opportunities presented themselves. Everyone was there! I could have everyone in my life.

Shortly thereafter I painted, wallpapered, and decorated what was a boring beige apartment, one which had seemed pointless to make a home. All my life I played with interior decorating in all my homes, family and friends too, but when I moved into this apartment there didn’t seem to be much point. Doctor’s told me over and over that I would soon die of AIDS. I didn’t decorate or even buy anything for myself or the apartment.

Changing the dull drab walls brought newness to my home mimicking the newness of how I looked at my life. Years earlier, when I sold most of my belongings before moving away, I kept many of the gifts I received over the years from family and friends. All my keepsakes represented all the many people in my life who I loved and who loved me. All of a sudden there was a colorful warmth and Love everywhere I looked.

With this new excitement I went out into the world to create friendship and Love.

by Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
Vancouver, Canada
www.PositivelyPositive.ca



April 26, 2005 | 1:55 PM Comments  0 comments

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