AIDS Walk – My 10th Anniversary

On Oct. 3rd, 2010, I will walk in AIDS Walk Portland to support the work done by Cascade AIDS Project, as well as other local AIDS Service Organizations. The first time I walked was in 2000, so this will be my tenth year with my fellow Portlanders at AIDS Walk.

Why did I start participating in AIDS Walk? I’ve always felt a special affinity to those with HIV or AIDS, probably because it affects the gay community so much. But it’s not just that – it’s also because of the stigma surrounding the disease. Almost five years ago, I started working at an AIDS Service Organization as my “day job.” And now I have even more reason to walk – because so many of my dearest friends and co-workers have HIV. Now it is personal. It affects people I love.

The thing is, I probably knew people with HIV before, I just wasn’t aware – most people are not open about their HIV status because of that evil “S” word: Stigma. A recent survey showed that a surprisingly large percentage of Americans think they can catch HIV through casual contact – and that’s simply not true. It’s transmitted through sex, through sharing needles (i.e. blood), and through breast milk. That’s it. There’s no reason to be afraid to eat food prepared by someone with HIV, to touch them, or even to kiss them. How horrible for those suffering from this disease to have that added feeling of being outcast from their community, or even their own family!

Please help me to help them by donating to AIDS Walk Portland this year – or become a walker and do your own fundraising. Cascade AIDS Project helps in so many ways – by providing housing and furniture for homeless people with HIV or AIDS; by educating the community about HIV; by handing out condoms in gay bars to help prevent the spread; by offering testing so people know their status and can protect themselves and their loved ones; by creating social opportunities for positive folks, giving them the opportunity to create friendships, find support, and be out about their status – thus helping at the same time to eliminate stigma.

So please, if you are moved by this struggle, help by joining the Walk, or by donating.

Thank you!!
Eowyn

Addendum: Here are a few interesting but scary statistics:

• Nearly half of Oregon 11th graders report having had sex. Of these youth, 42% didn't use a condom the last time they had sex. (Oregon's Department of Human Services, 2009)

In a 2009 survey by Kaiser Family Foundation:

• 23% of Americans would be uncomfortable with an HIV+ coworker.
• 35% of American parents would be uncomfortable with an HIV+ teacher for their children.
• 42% of Americans would be uncomfortable with an HIV+ roommate.
• 50% of Americans would be uncomfortable having their food prepared by an HIV+ person.

Amazing how much misinformation is out there! None of these activities would pose any risk whatsoever of spreading the disease.

http://www.eowynwood.com/