We Are Diverse-City

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Queer (GLBTQ) community is often marginalized and at risk for harm and discrimination. However, there are limited opportunities to link individuals to services and support that exist in Calgary. Through focus groups, partnership collaborations, community engagements, and input from the HEAT Advisory Committee it was determined that an event showcasing GLBTQ services and supports would be of value and interest to the community. With all of this said we are now planning and developing the outline and activities for “We Are Diverse-City”.

“We Are Diverse-City” is an exciting event that will take place on Sunday November 24^th, 2013 at the Arrata Opera Centre. The AIDS Calgary HEAT Program, in partnership with some Calgary GLBTQ groups, services, businesses and organizations will be hosting this two part full day event which includes a family friendly, all-ages, Resource and Information Fair during the day (11:00 am to 4:00 pm) and an adult (18 yrs.+) Sex Positive dance party, fashion show, drag numbers and other adult themed activities between (6:00pm and midnight) for the GLBTQ and allied communities.

The goals for this event are threefold. First, create a safe, welcoming environment for Calgary’s GLBTQ community, their families, friends and guests of all ages to learn, share and support each other. Second, create a space where Calgary GLBTQ and allies can have fun, dance, laugh and celebrate their diversity. Lastly, we want to recognize AIDS Calgary’s 30th anniversary of service to the Calgary GLBTQ community.

11:00 AM to 4:00 PM  -  Resource Fair (free admission for public) is designed to bring together GLBTQ inclusive community groups, professionals, resources and businesses to promote their services in a safe and supportive venue open to all ages. Workshops, film presentations, games and other fun activities will be included.

6:00PM to  Midnight – Dance Party (paid admission for public) will see the venue switch to an adult only event with DJ, dance floor, bar, entertainers, prizes and silent auction to name a few evening activities. For more information click here and for tickets click here. 

We invite all interested GLBTQ friendly and inclusive sponsors, donors and contributors along with GLBTQ groups, businesses and organizations to become involved in making this day a success and ask you to consider being a part of making “We Are Diverse-City” a truly unique event for all communities to take part in.

For more information on “We Are Diverse City” please contact: Mark Randall, HEAT Program Coordinator at (403) 508-2500 extension 129 or email heat@aidscalgary.org

2013 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life

On September 22nd, walkers joined us for our 19th annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life. It was magical to see the smiling faces and the huge crowd swarming Eau Claire in support for AIDS Calgary. This summer has been one of the most inspiring times in my life. Since the flood, I have seen Calgary communities come together in a way I wasn’t sure they could and I have seen our event surpass what we had anticipated. We at AIDS Calgary have a lot to be thankful for and we wanted to take this opportunity to recognize a few individuals who have helped to make this day such a great success!

For our walkers, thank you so much for participating in the walk, raising awareness and donations. We are thrilled to announce our current total, with sponsorships and donations is just over $104,217 (and still counting)! This will support AIDS Calgary’s prevention, education and outreach services.

On the day of the walk we were able to award prizes to a few individuals and teams who made large contributions to the walk. Our top corporate team was MAC Cosmetics and the top Community team was SAC (Southern Alberta HIV Clinic). Our top individual fundraiser prize was awarded to Jeff Kapler who raised over $5700.00! Our top adult was Shannon McLeod $4500.00, our top child was Emily Berkenkamp-Kellett, and our top youth was Emma Rose! Thanks again to all of you for your fundraising efforts!

We also owe a huge thank you to our volunteers! On the day of the walk we had 106 volunteers on site assisting with everything from food and beverage, stage set, cheering people on at route stations, organizing kids’ activities, and assisting with banners, and registration just to name a few. These amazing people supported multiple positions and the event could not have been so successful without their adaptability and enthusiasm!

Now it’s time for us to start planning and getting ready for another great Walk in 2014! We look forward to seeing you at next year’s walk. We hope you will join us again as a walker, donor, sponsor, or volunteer!

From everyone at AIDS Calgary Awareness Association, we are very thankful and appreciate the support from the community so that we can continue to provide the services that we do.

Until next year,

Dawn Wheeler
Event Manager

One Drop

I love to paint my fingernails. It’s my favourite way to unwind and a great way to express myself – soft pink, bold red, vibrant blue. It is not uncommon to see me with three different colours within a one week period.

Last night I was painting my nails a deep red that is full of life. This particular polish was a little bit runny and a drop fell onto my fingernail. As the drop ran down my finger it looked like a drop of blood. A combination of thinking about the upcoming AIDS Walk and the reflective space I enter when painting my nails got me thinking about HIV. As the drop of “blood” rolled down my finger I started thinking about what it would mean if I had HIV in my blood.

In that one drop I saw fear and stigma and discrimination.

Shortly after I started working at AIDS Calgary, I met someone new and had the “what do you do?” conversation. When I told him I worked for AIDS Calgary, his response was “eww”. I have always worked with people who are open-minded, compassionate, and caring, so I was surprised by the response. I was so taken aback that my response was “Did you really just say “eww” to me?” He stammered. His next question was “Do you have it?”. That is absolutely a fair question if we are about to engage in a risk activity, but definitely not appropriate when discussing our places of work.

So, in that drop, I saw the fear and discrimination and stigma that people living with HIV must face every day – health care professionals taking a step back when they learn their new patient is HIV positive; being harassed in their apartment buildings because someone illegally outed them to their neighbours; the surveys people complete before receiving HIV education stating that they wouldn’t share a plate or a hug with someone living with HIV.

In that drop I also saw lost love and lost opportunity.

When I came out as a lesbian I learned what it felt like to have to come out on a regular basis and I knew that some people were not supportive of my sexual orientation. I experienced discrimination, homophobia and homo-negativity. But, once I met someone I was interested in, I never had to question whether they would still be interested if I had this virus in my blood. I never had to worry about the right time to come out. If I were HIV positive meeting someone new would be terrifying to me. Do I wait until we get to know each other to disclose? Do I tell them right away? Do I trust that they will maintain my confidentiality?

In that drop, I realized how much I take for granted.

At AIDS Calgary, we have 100% staff and board participation in the AIDS Walk. Some of us are living with HIV and some of us aren’t. Some of us have lost loved ones, family and friends and some of us haven’t. But we all care and we all have our reasons for Walking.

I Walk because I firmly believe in the work of AIDS Calgary. I Walk because I care.

Why will you Walk?

Please join us on September 22nd, for the 2013 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life. Register here.

This article was submitted by Tamrin Heardt, Senior Development Officer at AIDS Calgary Awareness Association.

Under the Mango Tree

Our African Communities Project is bustling with activities these days. Here’s a few recent events/publications that might be of interest.

Under the Mango Tree- A show of sisterhood!
The African Communities Project had another successful get together and in true African spirit –a sign of sisterhood with a mission on Saturday, July 20th.

At the event, aptly coined Under the Mango Tree, 15 women representing 8 African Communities learned information about HIV transmission, testing and harm reduction.
In true camaraderie and laughter, the women also did craftwork where each woman either beaded or sewed a red ribbon in memory of a friend, family or relatives who has either passed on of AIDS or is living with the virus.

Communities represented at the event included Cameroon, South Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, Madagascar and Zimbabwe, Japan and Canada.

New Swahili Language Reading Material
The African Communities Project has added Swahili as the 8th African language in our collection of Calgary-specific HIV information brochures!  At the beginning of the Project we hoped to have materials translated into a few African languages – today we have far exceeded expectations and have a total of 8 languages including: Amharic, Oromo, Arabic, Nuer, Tigrinya, French, English and now Swahili.

Brochures include information about HIV transmission, common myths and misunderstandings, information about immigration and human rights, and where in Calgary to receive testing, treatment and support.

Swahili is spoken in East Africa - mainly in Kenya, Tanzania, parts of Congo and some Ugandan groups. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers from diverse African communities who have made this possible!

Women, HIV and stigma

The stigma associated with HIV has existed since the epidemic’s beginning. Stigma is a mark of disgrace, a characteristic of shame or dishonour. HIV stigma comes from a fear of the illness, becoming HIV positive, the risk activities connected with transmission and/or from the lack of information around HIV. Stigma can be found in the general public, with friends and family, social service and health care professionals. It is prevalent, it is pervasive, and it greatly influences the daily lives of those living with HIV.

All people living with HIV experience stigma, and women are no exception. In 2009 women accounted for 26.2% of all HIV positive test results in the country, a significant increase in comparison to the rate of 11.7% prior to 1999.

Recently, the Times Colonist (a Victoria newspaper), ran this article about one woman’s battle with HIV related stigma. Of course the woman featured in this article was so fearful of stigma that her name had to kept anonymous. “Having this stigma is so anguishing” she shared, “it takes away some of the quality of life”. Not only her own quality of life, the woman expresses concerns about the possible quality of life for her family. As sole breadwinner her employment is critical and she would not run the risk of informing her boss about her status.

These concerns are comment among women living with HIV and we cannot talk about women without talking about the impact that HIV related stigma has on their families. What happens to women also happens to their families, and passing the stigma associated with being HIV positive onto their family can be a key concern for positive women. Women may also worry about the stigma associated with having children as an HIV positive women, and their reproductive choices might be challenged as family, friends or professionals  limit their options to conceive.

The stigma associated with HIV is underpinned by many factors, and women, as an already marginalized group, experience unique overlapping levels of stigma. Stigma limits access to treatment and supports, increases isolation and decreases the overall health and wellness of those living with HIV.

 Each person living with HIV will have a distinctive experience and understanding of the way stigma has influenced his or her life. So, how can we help combat stigma? One of the easiest and best ways to fight stigma is to simply be informed. Arm yourself with knowledge about HIV and how it is transmitted. The next step is to be prepared to share that information with others. AIDS Calgary has lots of resources, if you want to know more about anything HIV related please get in touch.

References:

CanadianAIDS Society

Stigma and coping strategies among HIV-positive women are complex and overlapping  

An avoidable transmission

UNAIDS:  https://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/dataimport/publications/irc-pub06/jc999-humrightsviol_en.pdf