[Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault

Mon Aug 15 14:42:47 PDT 2011

I am in Vancouver on the 19th, so I guess I should have said this coming
Friday.
Denise

On Mon, Aug 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM, James and Ally Keating <
keatingfamilycircus at telus.net> wrote:

> **
> *Hey Denise,*
> *    By next week, frindy....do you mean Friday August 26th???*
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Denise Becker <dbecker106 at gmail.com>
> *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 <keatingfamilycircus at telus.net>
>> *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 <margaritesanchez at gmail.com>
>> *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 <shetognazzini at gmail.com>
>>>> *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 <dbecker106 at gmail.com> ****
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> *To:* Positive Living BC Board of Directors<board at positivelivingbc.org>;
>>>>>>>> viva <Viva at lists.resist.ca> ****
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> *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****
>>>>>>>>  ------------------------------
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>>>> Viva at lists.resist.ca
>>>>>>>> https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/viva****
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> Viva mailing list
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>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> -- ****
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ****
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
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>>>>>>>> ****
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>>>>>>>> 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****
>>>>>>>>
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>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
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>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
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