Condemn the criminalization of HIV in all its forms
1.
Write to members of the mainstream media.
Call them to task when they present stories that fail to separate HIV from violent crime. Tell them that sensationalized witch-hunt stories about so-called HIV criminals only perpetuate injustice and misunderstanding. Teach them to think about HIV rationally, to examine their own prejudices and to separate sexual prudery from cogent argument. “It’s against the law,” and “bum sex is icky,” are not rational arguments.
2.
Write to your MP, MPP and MLA.
Tell them that the criminalization of HIV is an unjust approach and demand a halt to failure-to-disclose charges and convictions.
Find your MP using your Postal Code
3.
Join Xtra.ca.
Visit the site often to keep abreast of developments on this issue. Tell your friends about the injustice of the criminalization of HIV. Convince them that making a failure to disclose complaint to police is the wrong thing to do. It only undermines their own civil liberties and turns them against their friends and lovers.
4.
Be open about your serostatus.
The voices of thousands of vocal, out, proud, HIV-positive gay men will not be ignored. Stigma will ebb because of a simple dearth of shame. Frank discussions about serostatus and risks before sex will strengthen prevention efforts and help you to protect yourself and your sex partners. If you have a first-hand non-disclosure story, consider sharing it with Xtra by emailing our editorial director at matt.mills@xtra.ca. Confidentiality is assured. We won’t publish your story or identity unless you’re comfortable with us doing so. Even if you don’t want your story told in our pages telling us may provide clues that may enable us to help others.
5.
Assume complete responsibility for your own sexual health.
Never, ever depend on another person, no matter who, to keep you from becoming HIV positive or to stop you from passing the virus on to someone else. If you do become HIV positive don’t assign blame, take your medicine and know that your whole life is still ahead of you.