Dating and HIV

Alisha OstbergBlog, Gay Men, living with HIV, stigma

Hopefully we can evolve enough as a society to see HIV positive dating as one more thing in the long list of things a dater must consider, from “what am I going to wear” all the way to “could they be my knight in shining armor” and your knight just may be someone living with HIV.

Shift: International Day to end Violence Against Sex Workers

Alisha OstbergBlog, criminilization, human rights, international, position statements, sex work, stigma, support

December 17th will be the 10th anniversary of The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (lovingly nicknamed Red Umbrella Day).  The red umbrella is a symbol of safety for sex workers and was …

Just when I thought I was over it…. Response to Dallas Buyers Club

Alisha OstbergBlog, Gay Men, Gay Pride, Gay Rights, GIPA, harm reduction, HEAT, human rights, living with HIV, MSM, personal story, position statements, stigma, STIs, support, treatment

It never ceases to amaze me the things that will trigger a response to past experiences, even when we think they have been worked through and thought to be buried and packed away neatly into …

Women, HIV and stigma

Alisha OstbergBlog, living with HIV, stigma

The stigma associated with HIV has existed since the epidemic’s beginning. Stigma is a mark of disgrace, a characteristic of shame or dishonour. HIV stigma comes from a fear of the illness, becoming HIV positive, …

Alberta Positive Voices Conference

Alisha OstbergBlog, living with HIV, stigma

The Alberta Positive Voices Conference (APVC) is a bi-annual event that brings together people living with HIV/AIDS from across the province to learn about better health management and new advances in the pandemic while providing …