CONGRATULATIONS ! Positive Lives looks back at World AIDS Day 1998 and believes that all those involved should be congratulated and should give themselves and each other a resounding pat on the back. World AIDS Day is not simply a time to raise cash - it is perhaps the best opportunity in the year to raise awareness about the issues around HIV and AIDS and to challenge the prejudices and ignorance which still exist. Events like MUSICAID and the Red Ribbon RIOT pointed out the global situation as well as informing people of the need to continue our efforts in our own community in the dangerous face of complacency. Readings of prose and poetry throughout the week allowed the feelings and changing attitudes of people living with the virus to be made public. Rehearsed readings of Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart" allowed us to see how slowly progress has been made in the treatment of the disease and how little peoples attitudes have changed. The play also highlights the fact that 13 years after it was written there is still no cure. However funds as well as consciousness were raised as the Red Ribbon RIOT set a new record of over £3,000. With the sale of the videos this is likely to be even higher. This year's procession had a much greater visual impact and was more effective in every way. Traffic was stopped on Piccadilly permitting a more impressive display and a captive audience who not only donated money but were given leaflets, offered red ribbons and explanations about World AIDS Day. And there was a band and a group who played Labbi Siffre's song "So Strong"! But despite the success of all these events, we did receive reports of complacency from the general public right here in Staffordshire. Some of this years volunteers experienced appalling attitudes and ignorance of the facts and issues surrounding HIV & AIDS. This issue contains accounts of both the positive and negative aspects experienced during this year’s events. |