The AIDS epidemic first began 30 years ago and created a worldwide panic. We’ve progressed a lot since the early ’80s but still have a long way to go. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, HIV infection is on the rise in Canada: there has been a 14 percent increase since 2005. In many other parts of the world, the number of infected has steadily decreased. So what are we doing wrong?
Well, we’re not getting tested. We’re having unprotected sex and engaging in other high-risk behaviour. We’re uneducated, ignorant and just plain stupid. If we don’t remember and respect our history, we are doomed to repeat it.
There is no excuse for a resurgence of HIV in a country such as Canada, which offers so many different types of support for its people. In many ways, as Canadians, we are taken care of, but that doesn’t mean that we should stop taking care of ourselves.
Every eight hours, a Canadian is infected with HIV. There is a cure: knowing your status. So let’s make it chic (like only the gays can) and get tested.
Stop by The Helm (1180 Howe) today from 2-8pm for The Hangout, a Sunday tea-dance with local DJs (Adam Dreaddy, Jeffery Michael, Quest, Landon James and Mumbles) and fabulous host Syren DeMille. It’s a great way to honour this day and the people we’ve lost. All proceeds go to the Dr Peter AIDS Foundation.
See you there, dears.
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