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

Tue Aug 16 12:29:00 PDT 2011

I fully support you on this Denise however, I won't be able to make it on
Friday.  A few health challenges this week...

From: viva-bounces at lists.resist.ca [mailto:viva-bounces at lists.resist.ca] On
Behalf Of shelly tognazzini
Sent: August-16-11 8:47 AM
To: viva at lists.resist.ca
Subject: Re: [Viva] latest from CTV on HIV girl charged with sexual assault

Sorry for the delay responding. I am working at St. Pauls from 9 - 5,
however, I can talk to my co workers today and see if I could schedule
cover. running to work now, will check email after lunch.

s

On Tue, Aug 16, 2011 at 8:11 AM, Denise Becker <dbecker106 at gmail.com> wrote:

I talked to Richard Elliott before and he is away now.  I told him that I
might be willing to talk to the media and would see if anyone else wanted to
as well (in would make more of a statement).  He thought that would be
extremely powerful.  Naturally, we would have to do it in the right way
where we don't condone not being told but at the same time question the law
that makes you a criminal.  I think radio is the safest forum because you
can't see faces and just hear voices of women who have lived the experience.

I have been on the radio in Kelowna before - CHBC Kelowna, which is an
affiliate of CBC and they had the story on the national radio CBC but they
suggested this, not me.  I don't think they would use Skype because the
quality is not good enough.  When I did a story with CTV on TV they had a
cameraman come in an film me in Kelowna and I could hear Seamas O'Regan
asking me the questions  but they filmed it the afternoon before and it
showed in the morning.

Friday is getting a bit tight now.  I will investigate more.  I just need an
idea of who would be willing to do it - I may do it on my own if no one
comes forward.

As for the Op Ed, then if everyone is in agreement, we may want to put that
into the paper.  Unfortunately, this gives people the chance to write in to
the paper (i.e. rednecks) and possibly have the last word, where Viva may
look worse.

Either way let me know.

Denise

On Mon, Aug 15, 2011 at 11:18 PM, Margarite Sanchez
<margaritesanchez at gmail.com> wrote:

I will am busy this Friday... but just curious, what radio program are you
thinking about approaching and could it be done by telephone or skype? And
what do you think about us doing an Op-Ed for the newspapers?

Margarite 

On Mon, Aug 15, 2011 at 2:42 PM, Denise Becker <dbecker106 at gmail.com> wrote:

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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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.pd
f

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 <mailto:dbecker106 at gmail.com>  

To: Positive Living BC Board of Directors
<mailto:board at positivelivingbc.org>  ; viva <mailto: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_11080
7/20110807/?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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