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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.
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.
Mark Edwards
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
February 3, 2011 • Los Angeles