[Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault
James and Ally Keating
keatingfamilycircus at telus.net
Mon Aug 15 11:38:10 PDT 2011
Hey Denise,
By next week, frindy....do you mean Friday August 26th???
----- Original Message -----
From: Denise Becker
To: viva at lists.resist.ca
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 8:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault
Kath, Ally, Tami, Margarite, Shelly and all ViVA:
I think if anyone wants to be part of a joint discussion then we might want to consider this. I am not in a position where it would matter but some have kids and it might.
I was thinking about a radio appearance where faces are not seen, I think I can set this up with CBC radio. I am in Vancouver next week (Friday?). Is anyone interested?
Denise
On Sun, Aug 14, 2011 at 10:38 AM, James and Ally Keating <keatingfamilycircus at telus.net> wrote:
Sorry I put the wrong infection date. I meant to put 20+ years ago...but forgot the +. I was actually infected Aug.2 1986. Just thought I'd set the record straight......A :~)
----- Original Message -----
From: James and Ally Keating
To: viva at lists.resist.ca
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2011 10:34 AM
Subject: Re: [Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault
I wanted to reply to your question Denise. I was infected 20 years ago this past Aug. 2nd. I was infected by a friend with whom I engaged in unprotected sex after a great weekend in Seattle partying for my 21st birthday. The man I was intimate with knew he had HIV but did not tell me. I found out a couple months later when he died of AIDS. The thing is, I don't blame him for my situation. I was hurt that he didn't tell me he was HIV+, but I knew better than to have unprotected sex. If anything I was angry at myself for not protecting myself...but I didn't have the skills or self esteem to take that kind of care of me back then. I also realized that my friend was in his own denial about his HIV. I knew and know he had no intention of hurting me, of passing this on. I guess he just wanted to forget, to act like it was all as it used to be, and I understand that. I've lived through my own share of denial, fear, depression, etc.. Fortunately I was able to come out the other side before it was too late...I found my life again.
The point of sharing this story with you is to let you know where I stand on the issue of standing up for this young woman and taking a stand against the treatment and criminalization of those HIV+.
I agree that ViVA should reach out to this young woman, to let her know we exist, are here for her and support her. I also think that it would be very powerful for ViVA (and others) to put forward a statement or position paper about the ongoing treatment and mistreatment of HIV+ people, of the way in which this situation was mishandled and of how this is not an isolated incident . I also believe it is a prime opportunity to address the issue of the criminalization of HIV and why that is not the route to take. I just want tommake sure that we put the spotlight on the issue and not this young woman specifically, unless she wants to be put there. I guess I feel that she has had so much choice and power taken from her in the past week or so and I just want to be sure that we don't add to that with our good intentions.
With that said, I agree that ViVA needs to take a public position about this circumstance and the ongoing circumstances of oppression, marginalization, criminalization, etc... of the HIV+. Thanks all for letting me share, Ally
----- Original Message -----
From: Margarite Sanchez
To: viva at lists.resist.ca
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 11:30 AM
Subject: Re: [Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault
Thanks to all of you for the information and concern for this young woman who is still just a child.
Personally, I would like to see ViVA advocate on her behalf. By responding to the media, to the Edmonton police and showing our support to her.
I say solidarity with our poz sisters!
I will start by writing to the Edmonton Police email address that Ally sent. info at edmontonpolicecommission.ca
but maybe we can also do something as a group and that way no one needs to sign it unless they are totally comfortable with using their names.
I am absolutely against the criminalization of HIV, I know it is deadly but no other disease in history has been demonized like this. Syphilis and gonorrhea used to be a deadly STI before antibiotics! No one gets arrested or even a slap on the wrist for giving someone herpes!
Of course I don't agree with anyone intentionally spreading HIV but there are many reasons why people don't disclose.
I say lets give this young woman our support.
Margarite
On Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 11:45 AM, Denise Becker <dbecker106 at gmail.com> wrote:
I am interested to know from anyone who belongs to VIVA if they feel that the stand of helping this girl is not what you believe should be done. Some women may feel that they were infected directly as a result of someone not informing you and you may be having a hard time with the emotions you are feeling regarding this girl and her status. If you are having a hard time with it, then please do not feel afraid to tell me or, if you feel comfortable telling me, then tell anyone in VIVA. We are definitely not there to judge you and want to hear from all sides. I would hate to think that we are writing about this girl if not everyone is agreed.
All the best,
Denise
On Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 10:19 AM, James and Ally Keating <keatingfamilycircus at telus.net> wrote:
Hello All,
I think it's a great idea to get more info, so thanks Denise and Shelly for putting that out there and getting what we can. It would be great if there was some way to get e-mails/messages of support to this young woman....I'm sure she feels quite alone and isolated, even if surrounded by people who love her...I know I did early on. Also want to say thanks Kath for posting the GNP+ link of "10 points against criminalization" it's well thought out, as much of what GNP+ does.
And Tami, I too feel great frustration and even anger at the knee jerk actions of the Edmonton Police Department and also the Courts who gave the police authorization to release to the community (and the world) a public safety warning which contained this young girls name, photo and labeled her a "threat to public safety".I mean ARE THEY SERIOUS??? Unfortunately they are. I also want to reiterate what Shelly wrote and point out that this is not an "Edmonton only" problem (although some communities seem to have more instances than others). These type of actions and reactions are nation wide and systemic. Every instance of marginalization, discrimination, violation of civil rights, ostracizing, violence etc..that happens every day all over the world may not have as serious public and legal consequence as this present situation but are very serious and need to be addressed. I see this present situation as a door opener for this issue of treatment of persons with HIV to be brought to the four front of public attention. I think this is something which should happen because of the publicity surrounding what happened in Edmonton but it is something that should also be separate. I don't want to see this young woman being put forth as a poster girl for HIV right violation (unless she chooses to do this herself). Instead I do hope it is more along the lines of "what happened in Edmonton is happening every day, everywhere".
HIV needs to be seen and dealt with as a medical issue not a moral or legal issue. Once this situation was moved from the medical, human realm into the dehumanizing legal realm and rhetoric and fear mongering were added in, a disservice was done to all, the HIV+ community, the general community and those in all forms of law/legal services. I truly hope that some general good can come from this situation since I see very little good that can happen for this young woman as a result of this. Let's keep her in our hearts and prayers. :) Ally
----- Original Message -----
From: shelly tognazzini
To: viva at lists.resist.ca
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 8:21 AM
Subject: Re: [Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault
I can look in to independent media if you want Denise, although you undoubtedly know more than I...
On Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 8:20 AM, shelly tognazzini <shetognazzini at gmail.com> wrote:
what I meant by CTV?? is F--- CTV !! Edmonton is uptight for sure but there is a vibrant and vital arts scene there and many folk who do not represent the stereotypes linked to Alberta...there are several independent media sources including one of the most respected independent radio station (with talk programming as well I believe) in the country: CKUA!
Wonder what they are saying about this...?
On Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 8:04 AM, shelly tognazzini <shetognazzini at gmail.com> wrote:
Is there anyway of contacting her or finding out more about the bail conditions? Are you able to do the research for contacts D? I would support finding out what we can do and how to best bring the issues surrounding this case and the criminilization of HIV to a better light...maybe she just needs to know she has support and finding out how to connect with her through her lawyer/ family or CTV?? CTV should be slapped as well... As Kath says, VERY SENSITIVE issue,
need to ensure the media does not skew an effort to support an already enflamed and complicated case.
thoughts out there?
On Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 6:50 AM, Denise Becker <dbecker106 at gmail.com> wrote:
You know as much as I hate putting my face on media these days then at some point, if we women want to support a fellow female, we need to get together as a VIVA group and have a news conference.
Denise
On Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 12:09 AM, Kath Webster <kathwebster at shaw.ca> wrote:
This is a sensitive and complex issue and I recognize that many women have become positive due to their sex partners not disclosing. I believe that the damage that criminalization does far outweighs the misguided intention of ‘protecting the public’. Richard Elliot from the HIV Legal Network summed it up well: “ it’s like cracking a nut with a sledge hammer” . The Edmonton police acted WAY over the top and it only perpetuates an evil stereotype of us as HIV positive people. One motto I heard at last summer’s International AIDS conference was “ Criminalize HATE, not HIV”
Here is a link to the Global Network of People with HIV with their stance on it. It is an document entitled ’10 Reasons to Oppose the Criminalization
http://www.gnpplus.net/images/stories/Rights_and_stigma/10reasons_english.pdf
This is Reason #1
Criminalizing HIV transmission is justified only when individuals purposely or maliciously transmit HIV with the intent to harm others. In these rare cases, existing criminal laws can and should be used, rather than passing HIV-specific laws.
From: viva-bounces at lists.resist.ca [mailto:viva-bounces at lists.resist.ca] On Behalf Of Denise Becker
Sent: August-09-11 3:05 PM
To: viva at lists.resist.ca
Subject: Re: [Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault
she has now been denied bail!
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2011/08/09/alberta-hiv-teen-in-court.html
On Tue, Aug 9, 2011 at 2:32 PM, Tami Starlight <tamistarlight at gmail.com> wrote:
No surprise something like this is in Deadmonton.
Center of the mass conformity where the police are the front line unaccountable enforcers of the mass corrupt freakshow.
Mainstream media is ridiculous at best and do not ask any hard questions I have, which are basically the same as you posted Ally.
Meegwetch/thank you
tami
On Tue, Aug 9, 2011 at 1:06 PM, James and Ally Keating <keatingfamilycircus at telus.net> wrote:
Hi All
I am so saddened by the actions of this policing department and how they handled this situation. It is another example of people with HIV being treated morally and not medically. It saddens me that this YOUNG woman has been made a pirah in her own community, not to mention a criminal. personally I think this is a societal issue and not a criminal issue. By attacking this type of behaviour in a criminal manner, how many people will be pushed under ground. How many won't get tested due to a criminal prosecution as possible consequences if they screw up. I also don't get it why it is always up to the person who has the HIV to protect the other sexual partner. Why are each person not responsible for protecting themselves. Don't get me wrong, I don't think a person with HIV should be having multiple encounters of unprotected sex...but that is my belief. Anyway, if any of you want to comment or send an email to the Edmonton Police department then the link for that is below. It is the compliment, complaint and concern email address at the edmonton police commission. Be well all, Ally
info at edmontonpolicecommission.ca
----- Original Message -----
From: Denise Becker
To: Positive Living BC Board of Directors ; viva
Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 9:17 AM
Subject: [Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault
http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110807/EDM_teenfound_110807/20110807/?hub=EdmontonHome
The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network is trying to help this girl. There is a video on this page too. The channel released her name and photo before hiding it later.
Denise
------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
--
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
----------------------------------------------------------
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1391 / Virus Database: 1520/3822 - Release Date: 08/08/11
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Viva mailing list
Viva at lists.resist.ca
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.resist.ca/pipermail/viva/attachments/20110815/82821511/attachment-0001.html>
More information about the Viva
mailing list