AIDS groups remove 'AIDS' from their names

URL:  http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/AIDS_groups_remove_...

Why not just remove the HIV from the title as well. That has almost as much stigma as the word AIDS. Why not just drop both words and use STD instead.



There are still many people getting HIV. Because of lack of education and de-stigmatizing HIV/AIDS, people are still being diagnosed with AIDS when they find out they test poz. To many people are waiting to long to get tested or treated. as a result people are almost dying in hospitals and in their homes.



Then they have to live for the rest of their lives with the AIDS label attached to them. Even if they recover above the AIDS diagnosis level, they are forever medically, legally, socially, economically branded with the word AIDS. So if a person has to live forever with the brand AIDS then why should AIDS Service Organizations (ASO) allowed to remove the word AIDS from their name???



Too many HIV negative people fell uncomfortable, then it is the job of the ASO and other AIDS organizations to help them rise above their fears and prejudices. That is one of the primary missions of these organizations is it not??



When society allows the individual to remove the stigma/stain of AIDS from their medical/legal/social/economic records, when they recover most of their immune system, they there I would agree ASOs can change their names.



Or we can make a better compromise, if you remove AIDS from your name then you are not allow to ask for money from the Ryan White Fund or other AIDS source federal/state/private grant money. If you leave the name behind then you should leave the money behind for those who will continue the fight in your place.



For when you change your name, your are implying those with AIDS are not worth your time or effort anymore.

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