February 2, 2011

Canadian AIDS Groups May Remove “AIDS” From Their Names

Some AIDS service organizations in Vancouver, Canada, are considering removing the word “AIDS” from their names, Xtra! reports. The reason for the potential name changes is to reflect a greater number of clients who are living with HIV but not AIDS. The groups also cite a desire to distance them from the stigma associated with the word. Some groups elsewhere in Canada have already removed the word “AIDS” from their names.

To read the Xtra! article, click here.

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Previous Comments:

Mark Edwards, Los Angeles, 2011-02-03 15:36:46
These groups have chosen to give in to the stigma of AIDS by changing their name. In an effort to distance themselves from the stigma of AIDS will people be turned away that have a diagnosis of AIDS, or if they look unwell? Where does it end? The way to fight the stigma of AIDS is to stand up to it. Giving something a nicer name doesn't change the facts. As a gay man with AIDS this feels like another closet to be pushed into so as not to offend someone. I refuse to be ashamed of having a virus

Thorner Harris, New York City, 2011-02-03 10:42:42
Limiting or deleting, from organizational names, the acronym AIDS is very timely. AIDS represents the end stage of an HIV infection. More people these days are living very successfully with HIV, thanks to treatment. People infected with HIV would rather not think of themselves as living with AIDS. I will add switching from AIDS in the name of an organization, will do very little about stigmas associated with an HIV infection. Culturally we need a shift from how people acquire an HIV infection.

Frederick Wright, Texas, 2011-02-03 08:18:59
I have a love for my brothers and sisters in Canada in their wisdom of change, however in some since they are way too secular for me in their thinking and pie in the sky policies. I am HIV and have been fighting not getting an AIDS brand for years in prayer, healthier foods, positive attitude and yes, Meds. So, I am all for rebranding the word AIDS that has such a paralyzing sitma,anger and lack of hope. HIV folks just don't want to have AIDS, for me it is scary and fearful to die of AIDS.