Missing the Good Ol’ Days? They’re Coming Back!

In the AIDS Service field, we do a lot of reminiscing about the good ol’ days and lamenting that activism isn’t the same as it used to be. Of course, I can’t personally remember ACT-UP and the early days of AIDS activism, because I was preoccupied with elementary school.  But I’ve wholeheartedly adopted this movement and I do believe in solidarity. While I can’t necessarily reminisce, I think I can relate to my colleagues’ sentiments.  By now, President Obama lifting the travel ban is sinking in for many.  This post by Bonnie Goldman at The Body, got me thinking.  She finishes by lamenting that “if there was more AIDS activism, we could’ve gotten this law changed long ago”.  What can activism change?

For those who don’t know, the US has denied visas to people living with HIV for 22 years.  Obama announced in late October that he’ll be lifting the ban and the result that the U.S. will host the International AIDS Conference in 2012 is quite something.  I couldn’t possibly sum it up better than Elizabeth Pisani: “That’s unmitigated good news for people with HIV, their lovers, friends and families, as well as for a lot of US employers who can’t import some of the best and the brightest simply because they have a not-very infection virus that can only be transmitted in a tiny number of well-known ways which we can protect against with safe, cheap technologies”. (I *heart* Elizabeth Pisani!)

Back to AIDS activism … I think Goldman and my reminiscing colleagues can cut themselves some slack.  Activism doesn’t come in a can; it can’t be turned on and off like a tap.  Activists are feeling busy and stretched – overwhelmed by the number of important issues worth fighting for. (How do you choose between libraries, services for autistic kids and AIDS services?)  But I believe people do band together and can make a difference when there is a big important issue that affects us all.  The glory days of AIDS activism were about securing basic services and respect for people living with HIV; it was a struggle for existence, and people came out to participate.  We’ve come a long way, but things do run in circles: it’s needed again, and now. Here in BC, groups who have received notices of funding cuts are rallying in response, along with supporters across the province.  Cancel The Cuts campaign launched December 1; a rally is set for December 18 in Vancouver at noon. People will come out to demand that groups receive funding to provide basic services. Whether you remember the good ol’ days, or not, come out and be an activist! 

-Miriam

 This blog represents the ideas of individual writers, and does not necessarily reflect any formal stance taken by Positive Women’s Network.

This was posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under Daily Moments, News . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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