This blog was written by MR – PHA. Editing by Alisha Ostberg and Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi.
In 1982, people died alone, with limited or no support or resources, including a health care system with respect or compassion for People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) or those dying because of the infection.
This is why SafeLink Alberta was originally created as the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association, which evolved to become HIV Community Link and now SafeLink Alberta.
Following a theme of “Remembrance” for the month of November, we are sharing this reflective piece on 40 years of HIV discovery, prevention, testing, treatment, and the education and support of folks living with or at increased chance of exposure to HIV.
In 40 years, we have witnessed amazing scientific breakthroughs related to this newly emerging human virus that swept the globe, leaving no one safe from potential exposure to or transmission of HIV.
Research has evolved from understanding “what is this virus, and how does it function and transmit” to PLWHIV on treatment, now living with chronic disease and no longer dying as once was the reality.
The greatest success in HIV treatment is that many people living with HIV today cannot transmit the virus sexually due to an Undetectable viral load and are therefore Unable to transmit HIV. U = U.
So, with all these advancements, why is HIV still relevant?
HIV-related stigma, continued HIV transmission, criminalization of HIV non-disclosure, and the fact that there is still NO cure remain key factors why HIV remains relevant today. Other factors, mostly rooted in social determinants of health, also play a role.
HIV exposure, transmission, and infections continue, although they are 100% preventable. With equitable access to knowledge, preventions, testing, and resources that include non-judgemental and respectful support, access to care, and treatment that meets individuals’ needs through a process guided by self-determination and choice, regardless of who they are and where they are at.
We also know there is a great deal of work that needs to be done to remove some of the remaining barriers that are known to exist and where funding plays the most critical role.
SafeLink Alberta, through its Calgary drop-in centre and programs, offers tailored services to PLWHIV funded through several financial streams, including donations. With increased demand for our services due to funding limitations, we welcome support from our community. This is where folks like you play one of the most important parts in our work.
Through your support and donations of professional resources, volunteers, food and hygiene supplies and monetary contributions, we can enhance our work to fill the need for our program and services that aren’t covered by other funding sources.
With that, we cordially invite you to join us at any or all our World AIDS Day events of “Remembrance.”
Nov 21st – Pre-World AIDS Day event at Spanky’s Saloon
Join SafeLink Alberta on November 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Spanky’s Saloon to support World AIDS Day. This night honours those most impacted by HIV, remembers those we’ve lost, celebrates progress in HIV prevention, and reflects on the global effort to end HIV stigma.
Tickets include:
- A light meal featuring African, Caribbean, Black, and Indigenous cuisines
- Performances by talented 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, African, Caribbean, and Black artists
- A silent auction, 50/50 tickets, and a Spanky’s Saloon Swag raffle
Entertainment Lineup:
Hosted by Calgary’s Dion Belanger, enjoy performances from:
- Afrobeats artist Cris Kester
- Two-Spirit trailblazer Argintina Hailey-Lawrence
- Indigenous musician Trent Agecoutay
- Steel guitarist Ole Man Kidd
- Drag entertainer Misty Meadows
- Story-telling by SafeLink Alberta’s Mark Randall
Nov 28th – SafeLink Alberta’s Medicine Hat World AIDS Day event at 419 North Railway SE.
Join us at SafeLink Alberta in Medicine Hat on November 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a morning of community, creativity, and care! Enjoy snacks and sweets while accessing STBBI testing and learning about self-test kits with a live demo. Get hands-on at our button-making station, where you can create your own designs.
This event is all about connecting and taking charge of your health in a welcoming, supportive space. We look forward to seeing you there!
Dec 1st – Calgary World AIDS Day at Contemporary Arts Calgary
Join SafeLink Alberta and Contemporary Arts Calgary for a World AIDS Day matinee celebration, The Arts & HIV: Reflections, Joy & Hope, on December 1, 2024, from 12:00–4:30 pm MST. This event showcases the intersection of HIV and the arts, featuring a recorded interview with HIV+ artist Joe Average, a screening of the documentary Undetectable followed by a Q&A, and local drag performances by Deva Dave, Misty Meadows, Argintina, and Shane OnYou.
Come celebrate the progress in HIV treatment and prevention, renew our commitment to action, and honour the lives touched by HIV.
We look forward to your joining us at either or all these upcoming events in remembrance of those lost to HIV while celebrating those living their lives with HIV. We cannot do the work we do without you; it truly does take a village. We thank you for your support of SafeLink Alberta’s mission and vision.