According to A Queer Grrrl:Just Don’t Stand There Toronto!

Lace up your converse, or shine up the heels. Whatever is more comfortable for you to walk the Scotiabank Aids Walk for Life Supporting the Aids Committee of Toronto -ACT- their goal is to “make a difference for your commnunity.” This year, it’s at the south east end of the gaybourhood at Carlton and Church. Starting at 12 30, an top list of entertainers line up leads up to the main event! The Walk starts at 2 pm and goes to 3 pm. Post march entertainment starts at 3 30pm and goes to 6pm.

Who’s going to be there on stage? 10 year veteran of the Toronto music scene, Dj Sumation , Diggy from the internationally renown band, Down With Webster and colourful drag persona Sofona Cox . Jully Black , will be showing off why she won two Juno’s with her powerful voice. She will do the post walk show from 3 30pm to 6 00pm.

The Facts

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) There is a distinction from testing positive to HIV and having AIDS. HIV is a virus, and as human beings we are susceptible to getting a virus. Many people live complete, full lives of pleasure, friendship and all the good things that our human existance has to offer. Just because there is a positive test for HIV it does not mean you will develop full blown AIDS. Following a proper regime of medicine, diet, and getting emotional support assists those with the HIV virus to prevent AIDS from becoming terminal.

The Reality in Toronto

Hamal Docter, volunteers with ACT. As someone who supports people who have HIV/AIDS his poignant words are ones that I needed to share with all of you. To be clear, there is no cure for AIDS. The AIDS Walk for Life is about education, fund raising, and awareness about the reality that this disease has within Toronto.

Historically the hardest hit community is within gay men. 1 in 5 gay men in Toronto live with HIV/AIDS. The statistic for women is actually 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses. Hamal told me that in our fair city, “there has been epidemic levels of new HIV infections.” The youth community, persons under the age of 29, are at a staggering rate of 1 in 3 people with new HIV infections. There is a disconnect. An improper notion that there is a cure for HIV/AIDS is often held by a younger person.

The youth community are more vulnerable to this unknown reality as the concept of living young and living free is more predominant. There is no such thing as “being immune” just because you are a younger person. HIV/AIDS isn’t just about wearing a condom during sex, or worrying about it if it breaks. Education for all needs to occur before a person even leaves the house so they know what they can do to protect themselves and potential lovers. Being tested for HIV is extremely important. It prevents the HIV virus from being spread, and gives the person who tests positive an early chance to get a hold of the disease.

This is what ACT does each and every day. They concern themselves with providing information on harm reduction. Hamal tells me that 1000′s of new infections each year are prevented by bringing people to an awareness of why being tested on a regular basis is so important. Safe sex is educating yourself about your sex, so you can go ahead and do it safely regardless if you test positive to HIV or not.

Positive Youth Outreach

The support group, Positive Youth Outreach or PYO is devoted to working with people under 30. The PYO program offers the youth community a place to feel safe. ACT offers drop in programs, one on one councelling, skill building and a yearly retreat. Feeling like a second class citzen or unloved is a common problem for youth. It is important for a person who has HIV/AIDS to feel safe, know how to protect themselves and to be empowered. The message is clear from ACT. You can still be you, the person you always have been.

Time To Register

This is the easy part!The three PINK words above this paragraph are the most important in this post. You will be guided to “get registered, get a team together, and start taking pledges!” The top 10 individuals and top 10 teams are listed on the site, and you could join their numbers. The goal this year is $500,000. Last year, The Walk raised $420,000 and they are looking to better that amount. This event is good for our community, and has some awesome talent entertaining the walkers and allies. Show up, have fun but watch out for the MAC team They are “the only team that stops to reapply our lipstick halfway through!”

words by shona