May 12-2005.
TO: greggg@gmhc.orgCC: jdavo@msn.com
Hello Everyone!
I read your concerns with some trepidation. I also agree with most of what you have outlined below, specificly the concern for the seeming lack of advocacy by HIV + people. And the seeming lack of HIV positive Decision Makers and Providers within our communities. This reality has always bothered me, ever since the advent of HAART medications. I know for a fact that some of us have concentrated our advocacy work (In House) so to speak. We sit on The City & State Levels, as advisors, planners and frontline people, where certain decisions regarding Funding for HIV Prevention & Related Services are made.
But we are very few, in comparison to the volume of VISIBLE ADVOCATES we had prior to the advent of HAART medications. And I feel (just like you said), that we have become (by & large) very complacent. We are now almost totally reliant upon the decisions of those who are not HIV positive. Is not personally impacted by this pandemic in any real way. And we are saddled with organizational bureaucrats, who seem bent on CONTROLLING the HIV Positive population, equated to that of A Correctional Facility/Prison!
Of course this attitude differs from culture to culture. The politics invariably hinges upon who is in control of the financial resources for research, funding Service Oriented Providers, and the cultural stigmas that are still evident internationally about HIV and AIDS. And yes, we have also a very big problem with personal responsibility within our communities. Some of us are back into unsafe sexual activities (Big Time): Others cannot wait to attend the next Sex Party Revelry: Drinking & Drugging seem to be on the rise within our communities: And last but not least, BARE-BACKING seem to be the next best thing to indulge in these days!
So what can us Advocates, (who are still active do to encourage involvement)? I say, bring these realities to the fore, via The Internet: The Public Media: The Tabloids: And in any way that will grant us publicity. By doing so regularly, maybe-just maybe, from the conscience of some of us, will emerge some consideration, for a return to the movement of advocacy.
Or change some of our reckless behaviour!
Om Shanti.
Derryck S. Griffith.
Political Educator & Advocate.
http://profiles.yahoo.com/derryckgrifith
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