Hats off to an HIV Activist “Bitch” for Working It

April 15th, 2011

Confessions of a Prairie Bitch includes sex, drugs, and Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie. Yes, Nellie.

Alison Arngrim’s memoir of the early days on LHOP is hilarious, yet as with many behind the scenes stories, her home life wasn’t so grand. But that Nellie? She was something and what Arngrim has done with her is fantastic. She’s gone beyond reruns to the oomph of Nellie, using the character to make people listen to what she has to say, whether it’s activism on HIV or child abuse.

We’re still battling stigma around HIV, and authentic celebrity power for fighting it is great. Arngrim hasn’t just loaned her name to HIV activism, she’s volunteered on the front lines. Judging by the recent news out of the UK that a number of people still stigmatize HIV, activism is still needed, despite the neutralizing effects of calling HIV a “chronic manageable condition.” (There are mixed feelings in the HIV community over the term). The same survey revealed that people don’t know that vaginal intercourse is a risk factor for HIV transmission, so clearly our education work isn’t done either.

Reading the book reminded me of Alison’s visit to what was then the Pacific AIDS Resource Centre. Back then, Positive Women’s Network was housed there along with AIDS Vancouver and BC Persons with AIDS Society (which is now called Positive Living BC). Arngrim visited the building (she had family in Vancouver). There was an excited flurry of energy masked by attempts to be cool about the whole thing- sure there was a celebrity in our midst, but HIV work eclipsed any celebrity, even if she was doing HIV activism herself.

I’m not that cool anymore, if I ever was – I was impressed by her visit. As I’ve learned more about the activism she’s involved in, I appreciate her using her name to support often neglected issues that make people squirm.

Confessions of a Prairie Bitch is a funny read on a difficult childhood that led to a strong woman, and making flowers grow out of crap. Grab a copy, jump in and enjoy.

Janet

This was posted on Friday, April 15th, 2011 at 5:00 am and is filed under Daily Moments, Education & Resources, HIV Prevention, HIV stigma, HIV Transmission, Homophobia, Networking, Risk factor, sexual health . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.