Electronic voting is not available for this year’s AGM.
Thursday
August 18, 2016
WHERE
WHEN
POSITIVE LIVING SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING S
Best Western Chateau Granville 1100 Granville St. Vancouver
REGISTRATION
DINNER
MEETING BEGINS
COMMUNITY FORUM
5:30-6:00 PM 6:00 PM
7:00-7:30 PM
7:30-8:30 PM
Voting for the Board of Directors and any Special Resolutions is done by mail-in ballot. The results of the voting will be announced at the AGM by an Independent Returning Officer, who will also count the votes. All members who accept mail from the Society, and for whom the Society has current mailing addresses, will receive two mail-outs, one in June and one in July. The 1st mail out (in June) will include: information about the AGM; an invitation to members to submit special resolutions for consideration by the membership; and an invitation to members who want to run for the Board of Directors to submit the necessary nomination materials. The text of any special resolutions and the information provided by members who want to run for the Board must be received by the Returning Officer by 5:00 PM on July 19, 2016.
The 2nd mail out (in July) will include: the ballot to vote for the Board of Directors; the statements and biographical information of those candidates for election to the Board who have supplied them; if applicable, the ballot required to vote for or against any special resolution(s) submitted; and a postage-paid return envelope. All mail-in ballots must be received by the Returning Officer no later than 4:00 PM on August 17, 2016.
FIVE two-year term positions on the Board of Directors of the Society are to be elected for the period 2016-2018.
Important dates to remember in 2016
First mail-out sent not later than
JUNE 23
Nominee information and any text of any special resolutions to be received by the Returning Officer by 5:00 PM on
JULY 19
Second mail-out sent not later than
JULY 21
Pick up of ballots (from the Society’s Reception Desk) by individuals who do not receive mail starting on
JULY 25
If you have any questions or would like to receive a copy of the Society’s Annual Report, please call Walter Petram, Secretary, at 604.893.221 (1.800.994.2221 x 221) and leave a confidential message. All documents relating to the AGM will also be available on the Society’s website at www.positivelivingbc.org
Completed ballots to be received by the Returning Officer by 4:00 PM on
AUGUST 15 If you require ASL interpretation at the AGM, please contact the Secretary of the Society.
Refreshments will be served.
I N S I D E
Follow us at: pozlivingbc positivelivingbc
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FIGHTING WORDS
One busy year after another
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NUTRITION How to get the proper sleep that’s good for you
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LET’S GET CLINICAL The need to LHIVE Healthy
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SISTER TO SISTER Meditating on one’s “dark side”
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COVER STORY A comparison of Argentina’s health care system to our own
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A BODY’S RIGHT A primer on gender confirmation surgery in Canada
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RETHINKING SEX & HIV
Reflections on disclosure and personal privacy
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positivelivingbc.org
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COME ALIVE Volunteers’ voices from History Alive
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GIVING WELL CHF FAQ The Wildlife Thrift Store in Positive Living BC’s the spotlight Community Health Fund
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POZ CONTRIBUTIONS Recognizing Positive Living BC supporters
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VOLUNTEER PROFILE Profile of a volunteer
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LAST BLAST In praise of not growing up
HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM MANDATE & DISCLAIMER In accordance with our mandate to provide support activities and prejudice. The program does not recommend, advocate, or endorse the use of any particular treatment or therapy provided as information. facilities for members for the purpose of self-help and self-care, the Positive Living Society of BC operates a Health Promotion Program The Board, staff, and volunteers of the Positive Living Society of to make available to members up-to-date research and information BC do not accept the risk of, or the responsiblity for, damages, on treatments, therapies, tests, clinical trials, and medical models costs, or consequences of any kind which may arise or result from associated with AIDS and HIV-related conditions. The intent of the use of information disseminated through this program. Persons using the information provided do so by their own decisions and this project is to make available to members information they can access as they choose to become knowledgeable partners with hold the Society’s Board, staff, and volunteers harmless. Accepting their physicians and medical care team in making decisions to information from this program is deemed to be accepting the terms promote their health. The Health Promotion Program endeavours to of this disclaimer. provide all research and information to members without judgment or P5SITIVE LIVING | 3 | JUL •• AUG 2016
MESSAGE The Positive Living Society of British Columbia seeks to empower persons living with HIV disease and AIDS through mutual support and collective action. The Society has over 5700 HIV+ members.
POSITIVE LIVING EDITORIAL BOARD Val Nicholson – chair, Ross Harvey, Joel Nim Cho Leung, Elgin Lim, Jason Motz, Adam Reibin, Neil Self MANAGING EDITOR Jason Motz
DESIGN / PRODUCTION Britt Permien FACTCHECKING Sue Cooper
COPYEDITING Maylon Gardner, Heather G. Ross, Robin Schroffel PROOFING Ashra Kolhatkar
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cheryl Collier, Peggy Frank, Leah Giesbrecht, R. Paul Kersten, Brandon Laviolette, Kevin Moroso, Val Nicholson, Marc Seguin, Neil Self, Sean Sinden, Zoran Stjepanovic PHOTOGRAPHY Britt Permien
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EDUCATION Adam Reibin DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Elgin Lim TREATMENT, HEALTH AND WELLNESS COORDINATOR Brandon Laviolette SUBSCRIPTIONS / DISTRIBUTION Leah Giesbrecht, John Kozachenko Funding for Positive Living is provided by the BC Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch and by subscription and donations. Positive Living BC | 803 East Hastings Vancouver BC V6A 1R8
Reception 604.893.2200 Editor 604.893.2206 living@positivelivingbc.org positivelivingbc.org
Permission to reproduce: All Positive Living articles are copyrighted. Non-commercial reproduction is welcomed. For permission to reprint articles, either in part or in whole, please email living@positivelivingbc.org
Š 2016 Positive Living
FROM THE CHAIR
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VALERIE NICHOLSON
Advocating activism
hat’s the difference between an “activist� and an “advocate�? I hardly knew until Positive Living BC’s membership elected me to serve as their Board Chair. The Society has a proud history of aggressive activism. So do I. We’ve marched on busy streets. We’ve picketed government agencies. We’ve raised our voices in songs of protest, shouts, and screams. A few of us have thrown insults and heavier things at our opponents because, as activists, we use outlandish methods to command attention and demand change. Sometimes, we have no choice but to be bold. Our history of advocacy is just as important. Not every battle can be won by breaking the rules. Letter writing, campaigning, and lobbying government— sometimes, diplomacy is how we get things done. Through my work, I’m learning the strength of quiet determination. With almost a year of service as Chair under my belt, I see Positive Living BC is at its best when it strikes a balance between the outlandish and the urbane. You might characterize that balance as “fun�—and there are two key opportunities for our members and allies to have extraordinary fun this summer. Please join us in the 38th Annual Vancouver Pride Parade at 12pm, Sunday, July 31 in Vancouver (visit www.positivelivingbc.org for
P5SITIVE LIVING | 4 | JUL •• AUG 2016
volunteer details and where to meet.) Our entry is all about how the Society helps members thrive in their good health. We’re asking everyone to wear their brightest OliviaNewton-John-“Let’s Get Physical� eighties gear, and aerobicize on down Robson and Denman Streets to our booth on Sunset Beach. This will be a great day—and with your help, we’re going to grab a lot of attention. We’re creating this energetic Pride entry to mirror our new Scotiabank WALK to tHrIVe, which we’re launching at 10am on September 25, 2016. I am especially proud of tHrIVe’s new take on the old WALK formula—you won’t be disappointed by what we have planned. We’ve listened to our community and agree that the old AIDS WALK was losing relevance, energy, and appeal. The first WALK in Vancouver was held in 1986, so of course things have changed in our community since then. PLHIV are healthier and stronger than ever. With the right supports, such as Positive Living BC provides with generous help from donors and volunteers, PLHIV can tHrIVe! The Scotiabank WALK to tHrIVe will follow a new route and the event culminates with a music festival at the beautiful Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. We’re still working out the details as I write this, so stay informed by following us on social media via www.positivelivingbc. org and www.aidswalktothrive.ca. 5
CAAN goes to Durban
The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) will represent Canada this summer as community activists, researchers, doctors and policy-makers from around the world gather in Durban, South Africa for the 6th Annual International Indigenous Pre-Conference on HIV and AIDS (IIPCHA) July 16-17, and the biennial International AIDS Conference (IAC) July 18-22, 2016. Among those attending will be Positive Living’s own, Val Nicholson. Expected speakers will include Canadian Minister of Health, Jane Philpott, Provincial Minister of Health KwaZuluNatal, and Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé. For over two decades, CAAN has held a prestigious leadership role with the International Working Group on HIV and AIDS (IIWGHA) that will be hosting IIPCHA followed by their participation at the Indigenous Networking Zone in the IAC Global Village. “South Africa plays an important role as the host country because it is experiencing the biggest HIV epidemic in the world with 6.19 million people living with HIV. And as in Canada its Indigenous population is over-represented,” says Ken Clement, CEO of Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network. “In Canada, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit continue to experiencing epidemic proportions 2.7 times higher than other Canadians.” IIPCHA will host the world premiere of CAAN’s new documentary, “Nothing About Us, Without us - Promising Practices in Saskatchewan First Nation Communities.” The film highlights Indigenous communities
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in rural Saskatchewan that are experiencing HIV and AIDS rates among highest in the world, and with innovative, culturally appropriate practices are taking ownership of their health and addressing the epidemic. Source: www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ canadian-aboriginal- aids-networkheads-to-south-africa-580811651.html
BC invests $5m in hep C campaign
The Province has provided $5 million to the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation for a study on how to reduce new infections of hepatitis C in the province. “This investment will help those at increased risk of re-infection with hepatitis C, by focusing on engagement with the health system, and it will help to evaluate the health outcomes with our current treatment regimens,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Through this project, we are working to improve the lives of those people with hepatitis C.” The research will focus on individuals in Vancouver who have been successfully cured of hepatitis C, but who have been identified as at increased risk of re-infection. It will also evaluate the impact and outcomes of current hepatitis C treatments, and identify the next steps required to optimize treatment outcomes in B.C. “Participants will be engaged with the full array of harm reduction and support services available through Vancouver Coastal Health,” said Dr. Patricia Daly, Vancouver Coastal Health’s chief medical health officer and vice president, public health. “We will work with the project team to evaluate how these supports help to
p
P5SITIVE LIVING | 5 | JUL •• AUG 2016
prevent re-infection with hepatitis C.” The project is a collaboration between the BCCfE, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver Coastal Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, and University of British Columbia. Hepatitis C can be a life-threatening communicable disease affecting some 50,000-60,000 British Columbians. Approximately 35 percent of people currently living with hepatitis C may be at higher risk for re-acquiring the virus after successful treatment, including people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men (MSM), and commercial sex workers. Modern hepatitis C therapies are highly effective, with cure rates over 95 percent. However, the risk for re-infection following successful treatment is potentially high among certain groups, unless they engage in risk reduction practices. Source: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/ 2016HLTH0028-000616
Manulife to offer life insurance for PLHIV
pManulife Canada has become the first
Canadian insurer to offer life insurance for PLHIV. With HIV now a manageable disease and the life expectancy of PLHIV increasing, Manulife’s decision is in keeping with the times. “Manulife was the first insurer to underwrite people with diabetes, and we are continuing in that tradition by making life insurance a possibility for the more than 75,000 Canadians who have tested HIV-positive,” said Marianne Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Canada. “This is the result of work
completed by our Research and Innovation team and working closely with our colleagues in the United States at John Hancock.” Manulife looked at the latest mortality and long-term survival rates of HIV-positive Canadians and with enhanced analytics, gained a better perspective on individual risk profiles. Applicants who have tested HIV positive, are between the ages of 30 and 65, and meet certain criteria, can apply for individual life insurance for up to $2,000,000. However, specifics on the criteria were not disclosed. Nonetheless, experts in the HIV field gave the announcement their approval. Gary Lacasse, executive director of the Canadian AIDS Society, said despite the lack of specificity, Manulife’s decision could spur others to follow suit. “We hope that the rest of the industry will follow suit,’’ Lacasse told The Canadian Press. “If (Manulife’s competitors) look at the scientific data, it’s a chronic disease now … not a deadly disease.” Sources: www.manulife.com/public/ news/detail/0,,lang=en&artId= 148769&navId=630002,00.html; www.cbc.ca/news/business/manulife-insurance-hiv-1.3548690; www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/04/22/ manulife-to-begin-offering-lifeinsurance-to-hiv-positive-canadians_ n_9757024.html
Experts: HPV programs must include males
Expanding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs to include males in Canada will help protect them against HPV-related cancers, according to
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an analysis published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Canada and is linked to cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, penis, anus and others, in addition to causing cervical cancer and anogenital warts. Men who have sex with men are at high risk of HPV-related diseases. However, only three provinces—Alberta, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island—offer the HPV vaccine to boys through school-based vaccination programs. Manitoba and Quebec have pledged to extend their programs to boys in fall 2016. “It is important for policy-makers to be cognizant that HPV infection causes cancer in males as well as females, that heterosexual males will not be consistently protected by herd immunity with current rates of HPV vaccination in females, and that [men having sex with men, or MSM] will not be protected by female-only programs,” writes Gilla Shapiro, McGill University and the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec. Evidence indicates that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective. The authors cite barriers to adoption of the HPV vaccine in boys that include the misconception that HPV is only a women’s health issue, not receiving a recommendation from a doctor or health care provider, and concerns over costs; in provinces where the HPV vaccine is not provided free, the cost of one dose is about $150, and multiple doses are required. The authors recommend that HPV vaccination programs across all Canadian jurisdictions become gender neutral. Source: www.cmaj.ca/lookup/ doi/10.1503/cmaj.150451 P5SITIVE LIVING | 6 | JUL •• AUG 2016
Three More Countries Eliminate Mother-toChild HIV Transmission
pThailand, Belarus and Armenia have
eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Last year Cuba became the first country to attain that goal. In Thailand, thanks to strong prenatal care programs, the number of babies born with HIV dropped from more than 3,000 in the late 1990s to 86 in 2015. This meets WHO’s criteria for elimination: a motherto-child transmission rate of less than 2 percent and fewer than 50 new infections per 100,000 births. And yet experts warn that HIV remains a problem in Thailand. About 450,000 people are estimated to be living with the virus, out of a population of 60 million, and rates of new HIV cases are increasing among gay men and transgender people. Thailand also eliminated mother-tochild transmission of syphilis. Each year, an average of about 200 babies are born in Canada to women diagnosed with HIV. Canada has virtually eliminated the incidence of mothers passing HIV to their infants at birth. In 2014, there was only one case of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Canada. Source: www.poz.com/article/ three-countries-eliminate-mothertochild-hiv-transmission 5
Positive Action’s
Fighting Words By Neil Self
Looking Back … Planning Forward
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our Positive Action Committee (PAC) was created by, and reports directly to, the Positive Living BC Board of Directors and is tasked with leading the fight to change socio-economic and political issues that affect people living with HIV (PLHIV) in BC. Our tasks over the last year have ranged from access to medical treatment (HIV, dental, and mental health), to the social determinants of health (housing, food security, and income security) to the ongoing battle against HIV stigma and the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure. A highlight of the past year includes our active involvement in the planning of the new St. Paul’s Hospital (including the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV). As this is an important health centre for all of the province’s PLHIV, PAC will continue the dialogue, and inform you as to any progress over the coming years. PAC is an active participant in social justice issues and events. We wrote letters of support to the BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre regarding access to the BC Ministry of Social Development for our members and a call to establish lowincome BC Hydro rates. We continued to support the BC Health Coalition and their fight against private healthcare clinics and supported the campaign against paying for blood plasma. We supported both the HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Canadian Drug Policy Coalition’s calls to reform national and international drug policies. With our temporary re-location to the downtown east side, we re-engaged with Raise the Rates and the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition with our members attending several rallies and protests—culminating with a rally to protect the BC Bus Pass program for people with disabilities. Positive Living BC has teamed with the HIV/AIDS Legal Network and the BC Civil Liberties Association on the issue
of the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure. After last year’s meeting with Provincial Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Minister of Justice Richard Fyfe to express our concerns around the need for new Charge Guidelines in BC, we have shifted our focus to the new “sunny ways” Federal Government. Thanks to BC Civil Liberties and YouthCo’s work on educating local MP Hedy Fry, we received an invitation to meet with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of Canada, Sean Casey at an Access to Justice Roundtable here in Vancouver. And we eagerly await a meeting with the Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould this summer. With another Provincial Election ahead (tentatively scheduled for next May), we need the feedback of our members on issues of importance and priority to you. As income security, access to housing and health care are the primary responsibilities of the Provincial Government, these would be great places to start.
CALL TO ACTION
Contact either myself, Neil Self (Committee Chair, neils@positivelivingbc.org or 604.893.2219) or Suzan Krieger (Staff Support – suzank@positivelivingbc.org or 604.893.2223) to let us know what your priorities are so that we can address them with the Political Parties and candidates on your behalf over the next year. 5
Neil Self is chair of the Positive Action Committee and the Society’s vice chair.
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Girl Talk
By Peggy Frank
Sister to Sister
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Deepak, Oprah and Ohm
ast summer at a camp for therapist training, I began to explore ‘the dark side.’ As a practitioner, I can’t do for others what I haven’t done for myself. I saw this first as a healer or patient; I saw healers struggle with lack of confidence, ego, or trepidation around a ‘hopeless’ disease. I saw others who were comfortable in their bodies and with their personalities. Those were the healers I wanted to be like. To do this, I knew that I needed to explore my dark side. It’s a long journey, but so essential to personal growth. I listen to free meditations online such as a 21-day meditation series offered by Oprah and Deepak Chopra, “Shedding the Weight, Mind Body and Spirit.” In it, Oprah talks about transforming the heaviness in our lives into a natural state of lightness. I remembered how a weight had been lifted off my shoulders when a friend helped me clear things from my basement. I was literally throwing out the past. Oprah said, “heaviness can come with what seems like a truckload of pain, or trauma from past experiences.” In my case of the basement, much of the stuff came with/from my partner who died suddenly. I was left with an assortment of bolts, nails, screws, and hand-tools. Each item was full of emotional attachment to my delightful past. I told myself that it was all I had left of Dave. “The burdensome feeling can also come from anxiety or fears about the future—wondering how we are going to manage through all the uncertainties of new jobs, young families, or aging and retirement.” Yes, that statement was also true: I worried about filling the emptiness of losing my soul mate. I have yet to meet a man who accepts me completely, as Dave did–HIV and all. When we meditate and move towards living consciously in the present moment, we surprise ourselves by realizing that “we don’t have to do anything to let go of the burdens of pain or fear–they let go of us. Our natural state of being is lightness and ease.”
Oprah assures us that if we face our challenges, we weaken their power. “It’s deep and it’s simple, all at once.” As I worked my way through the series, my mind whirled with understanding. I had suffered from body pain in a previous relationship where I was not sure if I would have to run away. Fear gripped my elbows and shoulders. Once the relationship ended my body began to recover, and I grew away from the person I was and started to become the person I am now.
I saw others who were comfortable in their bodies and with their personalities.
Here are some ways to follow up on this article. The following questions come directly from the series. Journal by focusing on these questions: Ask yourself, who in my life makes me feel bad about myself? What person creates anxiety for me? What is my greatest source of anger and hostility? And where do I find my biggest regrets? Deepak asks that we use these questions to trigger thoughts about sources of darkness or heaviness in our lives. Write about whatever occurs to you, privately. That way you won’t be hurting anyone or placing blame. The purpose is to bring the light of awareness into the shadows. Now sit and meditate on the centering thought I am endlessly renewed in the present moment. 5 Peggy Frank is an HIV activist and an artist.
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Disclosure and privacy in the gay community
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By Kevin Moroso
avoid talking about the issue of disclosure and HIV in my articles. I figure readers read plenty of arguments against the legal treatment of non-disclosure of HIV to sexual partners. I’ve echoed those same arguments in other media I write for. The most I can ever do is empathize since I don’t truly know what it’s like to disclose. Having been on the receiving end of someone disclosing their HIV positive status to me many times, I’ve seen the trembling hands, the eyes look up at me waiting for anger or rejection. However, I’ve realized, after reading position papers and legal arguments of court cases, that there is very little mention of the gay community and our norms and standards. All too often, the arguments are presented to a straight audience, trying to fit gay sex into a heteronormative paradigm. Gay sex and the environment in which it occurs is vastly different than that of straight men. Let’s start with the community norms in the gay community when it comes to HIV. Gay men are taught early on in the coming out process that our lives are inextricably linked to HIV. One of the first topics of conversation when a gay guy comes out these days, and over the last 30 years, is sexual health. Young girls get the pregnancy talk, gay guys get the HIV talk. Straight bars have posters for upcoming events and how to get home if you’re too drunk, gay bars have sexual health posters and boxes full of free condoms. We log onto a dating app, and we’re bombarded with messages to get tested for STIs and to talk about HIV.
So when I read a court case where someone didn’t disclose, but the accuser admits to not asking what the guy’s status is, I’m livid. Not livid that he forgot to ask, livid that he doesn’t take responsibility for his part in it. In fact, what’s interesting is that the majority of gay men know that there is an onus on them to ask rather than simply assume someone doesn’t have HIV. The first time someone disclosed their status to me it was after several sexual encounters. I had no right to be angry—he hadn’t lied, and he hadn’t put me at risk, he just didn’t tell me and, more importantly, I hadn’t asked.
Often the arguments are presented to a straight audience, trying to fit gay sex into a heteronormative paradigm.
Equally troublesome is when a guy willingly has condomless sex with someone, knowing full well the risks involved. It’s not troublesome because he’s having condomless sex. It’s troublesome when that guy suddenly claims to be a victim. Despite years and years of being told to wear a condom, being reminded on hookup apps, and having condoms shoved in his face at the bar, to have condomless sex with someone and not ask their HIV
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status, then claim the other guy assaulted him by not disclosing is abhorrent. But it’s not just about being mature enough to ask someone’s status rather than rely on them to tell you, or about not using condoms despite a lifetime of being told to use them. These court cases completely ignore the gay context within which sex occurs. One example is the bathhouses. Only once have I been asked my HIV status at a bathhouse. As I posted on a gay website I write for, TheHomoCulture.com: “You will notice that people talk very little at the bathhouse. Occasionally there’ll be a group of friends hanging out together talking or two guys who have just fucked getting to know one another. But for the most part, the cruising is done in silence. It’s not exactly a social space, that’s what bars are for. And hearing someone speak can be a turn off when really all you’re interested in is a guy’s body. This makes other forms of communication essential—touching, looking, etc.” Men fuck at bathhouses. They don’t go there to get to know one another. Condoms are everywhere and while some choose to use them, some choose not to. Sex happens at a rapid pace – a touch of a dick, a touch of an ass, and in it goes. If you are worried about acquiring HIV, you show a condom or you put one on yourself. But everyone assumes the risks if you choose not to use one. Again, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with just giving in to the pleasure. But if someone doesn’t disclose to you and you have sex without speaking and without a condom, don’t put an ounce of blame on that person. And yes, I heard recently of someone having cops show up at their place after they had sex with someone at a bathhouse without a condom and without disclosing. Group sex and orgies occur in an environment similar to a bathhouse. There may be somewhat more socializing but these are fairly lighthearted interactions and rarely include discussion of status or anything else related to sexual health. The host of the party is often the conduit of information. If someone is worried about going to a bareback sex party, they should ask the host about the status and testing regimen of the guests. I have personally witnessed people come to an orgy, have bareback sex with a bunch of people, then act shocked when they found out some of the people were HIV-positive. As an occasional host of these types of parties, I try to make it clear that if HIV status is an issue, then the party is probably not for you. After all, I’m not going to go pointing out who has HIV and who does not. Not only is it not my place to discuss someone else’s status, I also don’t like contributing to that sort of stigma. Another issue—while it can apply to the straight community, applies even more so to the gay community—is alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drug use are highly prevalent in the gay community and at a lot of our social activities. Our bars are usually our
community centres and, though hookup apps have had an impact on this, a lot of sexual activity arises out of our bars and nightclubs and is fueled by alcohol and drugs. When you’re out having a good time with friends, and you start getting hot and heavy with the sexy guy on the dancefloor, eventually stumbling back to his place to fuck, it can be easy to forget to disclose. In an article for the Daily Xtra, I recounted the first time someone disclosed their status to me after already having had sex. We met at a bar. We were both extremely inebriated. I went back to his apartment with him and fucked him without a condom. He was drunk and forgot to disclose. I was drunk and forgot to ask his status. No one was at fault. He didn’t assault me, and I was not a victim. We were simply two people who were drunk and forgot to do what we’ve been taught. Why should courts deem someone a criminal because, God forbid, a guy forgets that his whole life is about HIV and that he must remember that 24/7?
Men fuck at bathhouses. They do not go there to get to know one another.
The gay community is small. There’s usually about one degree of separation between two gay men. Our sexual and friendship networks are closely connected. This means that each disclosure to a single individual means potentially disclosing to hundreds. Our community is like a small town where word spreads quickly. Someone’s private medical condition can become common knowledge within days. We also have sex a lot. To disclose every time we fuck means losing the ability to keep that part of your life private. Unless the courts are willing to put a gag order on everyone you disclose to, they should realize that the current legal framework is forcing private medical information into the public domain, something no other group of people in this country has to do. Disclosing someone else’s medical history is considered a crime, except it seems when it comes to HIV. 5
Kevin Moroso has his B.A in Art History and Critical Studies in Sexuality, and his MBA from the University of British Columbia.
P5SITIVE LIVING | 11 | JUL •• AUG 2016
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By Leah Giesbrecht
ay McQueen has volunteered with the Society in many capacities since 1991. Her work has been extensive and invaluable. Until 2012, much of May’s work was done as a prison outreach volunteer. When the interview below was completed, May was still actively volunteering with the Prison Outreach Program. The following are excerpts from the History Alive interview conducted on April 20, 2011. On first hearing about AIDS: It was in 1991…and there was a wee boy in the States [Ryan White] who [had not been] allowed to go to school because he was HIV-positive. And then on PBS […they] gave two programs on HIV—how one gets HIV and how one doesn’t— and I thought, well that’s pretty simple. So I thought, well maybe I can learn, because I have grandchildren, and I know my kids would say, “Oh that will never happen to them.” Which is stupid. On her first volunteer role with the Society: My first volunteer position was with the Prison Outreach Program. One of our members had gotten his diagnosis in prison. And he contacted [the] Treatment Information [program], who sent a volunteer out to visit him. And then – well, it kind of leads to different things. We got involved in the information fairs at all the prisons. [We started talking to] more people. They felt free to come out and talk to us. Also, what it did was really show the other inmates, that you know, you don’t have to be afraid of this person. [We were] reaching out to people, giving them information. And [showing them] that somebody cares. On how she built relationships with inmates: Somebody cares. It’s not my job. I do it because I care about you. A lot of people have been horribly abused. That was a real eye-opener for me. I didn’t realize
that parents did such terrible things to their children. That’s horrendous. So when you get out, if you need a mum or a grandma, that’s what I’m there for. On providing support in prison: One of our members came to us, three wee old ladies [volunteers], and said to us, “You know, you can’t be peer counselors; would you be active listeners?” We can do that. So we took the same training as the peer counselors did, but we were active listeners. I guess I was just interested when we went in, and people talked to me, and I talked to them, and they would tell me all these different things. I was never frightened in prison. It never crossed my mind to be frightened; I was too interested in what was going on. On her work: It is truly a privilege to be accepted. All these people haven’t a clue who I am, this silly old lady trots in and hugs you. And cries with you. And that’s OK. And I don’t know how to be anybody else except me. And I finally know who I am. That was a big lesson to me. I had always been just everybody’s mother, but I wasn’t a person. And that’s why I say retirement is wonderful because it’s all about me, and what I’m happy doing. But my bonus—I have eight grandchildren. And I knew that my kids would say, oh, it [HIV/ AIDS] will never happen to my children. What a crock. So somebody in the family had to learn it, and the kids talked to me. And now my great-grandchildren are starting to come around. 5 Leah Giesbrecht is a communications coordinator with Positive Living BC.
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Sleep hygiene and you
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By Cheryl Collier
ood sleep is essential for a body to function well. Brain health, hormone balance, metabolism, and immune and cardiovascular functions all rely on rest. But trends show that more people are going without the sleep their bodies require. This is of particular importance for PLHIV, for whom sleep disturbances are all too common. Calming and sleep promoting routines–called sleep hygiene—can help you sleep much better. Consider these steps to a better night’s rest. Exercise. Regular activity has been associated with improved sleep quality. Exercise releases endorphins in the body that help you feel good, but may be too stimulating if you exercise close to bedtime. This can make it difficult to fall asleep fast. Aim to be active earlier in the day, at least 2-3 hours or more before going to bed. Caffeine. Caffeine promotes alertness, but it also blocks receptors for adenosine, a substance in the body that helps you feel sleepy. Caffeine can make it difficult to fall asleep quickly. Within 30-60 minutes, caffeine reaches its peak level in your blood. A body needs 5-6 hours to eliminate half of the caffeine consumed, more still to remove it completely. Avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours before bed time. If you’re a java lover, think about cutting back to 200 mg per day. That’s about 2 cups. Regular caffeine use can lead to dependency with some people genetically more sensitive to caffeine. A gradual taper away from caffeine may minimize symptoms of withdrawal. Hydrate. Being well-hydrated can promote improved energy all day, which aids better rest. But drinking fluids too close to bedtime may result in multiple bathroom trips during the night. Drink more of the fluids you need earlier in the day, slowing down about 2 hours before bed time.
Timing. Eating a large meal close to bed time can lead to indigestion, making sleep difficult to come by. Individuals who have reflux or heartburn may find relief by avoiding spicy or higher fat foods before lying down for the night. Snacks. Carbohydrates can help your brain access tryptophan, a protein building block found in protein-rich foods. Tryptophan is needed for serotonin production, a hormone that helps our body relax. Closer to bedtime, eat low-sugar cereal with milk, cottage cheese, or a piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter. Alcohol. While alcohol can allow you to fall asleep quickly, it is a sleep disruptor and leads to a more restless sleep. Your body needs to relax before bed. Routines can teach your body that it’s bedtime. Taking a warm bath or listening to quiet music can calm an active mind. Log off from devices an hour before bed as bright-lit activities can disrupt natural melatonin production. Reserve your bed for sleeping and intimacy only. Keep your room at a Goldilocks temperature–not too cold, not too hot ─ so you feel more comfortable at bedtime. Set your internal clock by maintaining a regular bedtime. You might not notice changes right away. Consistency over time with any strategy is key to help you get a better quality sleep, keeping you in better health. 5 Cheryl Collier is a registered dietitian at the Oak Tree Clinic at BC Women’s Hospital and Health Care Centre.
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Living abroad with HIV
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Dispatches from Argentina by R. Paul Kerston
edicine might be medicine almost anywhere but, the way it’s practised varies from practitioner to practitioner, and even to local custom. This article explains some of what I have seen in the health system of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many differences may be startling to some, but will offer a counterview to the care received in Canada.
While Canadians have reason to seek improvements to provincial health care systems, these systems have (until now) experienced decades without different levels of care – all publicly funded. That’s different in Argentina: private as well as public care exists down here. Nearly 40 percent of Argentines have no health insurance, 48.8 percent are covered by plans associated with unions, 8.6 percent have private insurance plans, and 3.8 percent are covered by both unions and private insurance schemes.
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continued next page
My local hospital, named after woman, roughly 100 years ago, Dona Petrona Villegas de Cordero and the city in which the hospital is located, San Fernando..
In 2013, 70 percent of the roughly 5,000 hospitals, clinics and hospices in the country were private sector establishments. This leaves an imbalance because there are fewer public facilities but great public need. Private insurance can be purchased from insurance companies–by Argentines and foreigners–as well as with specific hospital plans, these latter sometimes having specific variously-located clinics in addition to the associated primary hospital. Pharmacies often indicate, visible outside, which plans they’ll work with (there are many, including the different union plans). When getting a prescription filled (even if it’s over-thecounter) one must first look for a ticket dispenser in order to be served in turn (sometimes at the street entrance; sometimes by the dispensing counter) and one must also know which of up to three dispensers to take the ticket from: Choices always include those on senior ‘medicare’ plans. Generally, older persons are accustomed to dedicated services, such as pharmacy dispensing. One’s prescription will be sealed in a bag to take to the cashier. Private insurance comes closest to providing similar care to the standards seen up north: Online appointment making, online lab results, very modern and clean-looking facilities, and particularly less waiting time, etc. The public system in Argentina is similar to the county hospital system found in the United States: crowded waiting rooms,
line-ups, and no sense of urgency. Add to this the ‘mañana effect’ (where things appear postponed for the next day) and frustration can mount. My physician works in a suburb of the capital, and has morning office hours on two weekdays within a clinic at a public hospital. This hospital’s acute care ward area is under renovation. Care for individuals with HIV is received in a clinic adjacent to the registry for newborn children at this hospital, and that clinic is labelled, ‘Infectious Diseases.’ The hospital’s main laboratory does not draw blood for CD4 cell counts nor for plasma viral load tests. These must be done by a nurse who visits the Infectious Diseases clinic only on Tuesday mornings, and only from 7:30 am until 830 pm. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis by giving one’s local ID or passport. and the test orders, which are written on any scrap of paper available at the time (though the signature and an official stamp confirm its authenticity). These results go directly to the physician, but can take three weeks or longer. The main hospital lab only draws blood (for all other tests) on Monday–Friday between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. In order to get those tests, one also needs an appointment. However, that appointment is only made in a central part of the hospital, and that appointment desk is only open from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm.
Canadians have witnessed protectionist policies in Canada, but it seems stronger here.
Given the similar times when both labs draw blood, it’s impossible to have all tests done in both places on the same day. At the main hospital lab (for tests such as liver function, kidney function, cholesterol, diabetes) after the draw, one is given a sheet of paper upon which are printed the tests done that day, complete with the date when results will be ready. The patient must pick their own results up, (turning in that paper but not showing ID) and these results are only given out between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, Monday–Friday. Doctors do not receive results, so patients must remember to bring results to their appointments. It’s not uncommon for physicians to ask patients for photocopies of their results, at the patient’s expense. For blood draws scheduled at 7:00 am the window opens at nearly 7:00, but that’s only a line-up to deliver the doctor’s test orders. They don’t call people and draw blood until after 7:30 am. There are always people waiting in the first line-up
P5SITIVE LIVING | 16 | JUL •• AUG 2016
before 6:30 am. This is equally true for the clinic’s CD4 and viral load tests. For urgent tests, there’s a hospital lab window used by nurses with ‘STAT’ ward orders, and outpatients with orders may also ring that window’s bell for blood draws. However, there is no patient confidentiality. Results are deposited into a tray just outside the closed window, and patients come by and (hopefully) take only their own. A typically-sized sterile needle is used for draws—but, instead of several different tubes being manipulated for each group of tests (for plasma, serum, etc) one huge plastic tube receives all the blood and, once the needle is removed, the phlebotomist squeezes the drawn blood into the tubes needed. There is no such thing as ‘standing orders’ filed in the hospital system for repeat usage. Instead, a random scrap of paper (similar to those for prescriptions) gets handwritten out, and thus, important tests may not get ordered, so this begs catching by the patient by reading, even translating, the handwriting. Urinalyses require patients to pre-purchase sterile containers at pharmacies, or use specifically suggested alternatives, and bring this in as such items are not provided. In my case, charting (lab results, office visits, complaints, signs and symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, etc) is done on my physician’s own laptop which is not linked to either the hospital’s or governmental system. Prescriptions through this clinic are filled by walking to a warehouse two blocks away where you bring your own bag to carry medications dispensed. The usual interval between physician visits (for patients deemed ‘stable’ on medication) is four months. However, the pharmacy / warehouse only dispenses two months at-a-time (though claiming extended travel can solve this problem). It has been said that the best physicians work at public hospitals, not in the private system, though most have private offices for other patients, as well. There are organizations helping those living with HIV. One has been in existence since the late 1980s. While this
one helps educate and support persons from their HIV test onward, one of their principal functions is as a clinical study site. Physicians and pharmacists both work on a public floor of the building while above, social workers and psychologists have private offices and make appointments to see people as needed. They run social support groups, but attendee travel distances, meeting times, and group composition issues have
been problematic. Some groups are on hiatus. This organization also owns a nearby, dedicated clinic. Also, many of this organization’s health professionals work at an affiliated hospital, as well as at the main office building. This organization has done considerable work with transgendered persons; however, they have not had much opportunity working with the gay population. Canadians have witnessed protectionist policies in Canada, as well as in the U.S., but it seems stronger here. Pharmaceutical products are almost all manufactured in Argentina. Some are generic medicines. Most of what’s used in the antiretroviral (ARV) panoply can be found here: Atazanavir (mostly boosted with ritonavir, but not always) as well as efavirenz are principal mainstays. Many other ARVs are the same, but dosages aren’t always identical: Darunavir doesn’t come in the typical British Columbia dosage, for example. The combination of 3TC and abacavir sometimes is a generic combo and sometimes is Kivexa–it varies from dispensation to dispensation. Mistakes do occur and may
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The hospital’s MAIN ‘TURNO’ (‘appointment’) area, right by the main entrance - and near the emergency entrance - to the hospital.
necessitate trips back to the dispensing warehouse if the error isn’t caught early. Recently, the question was posed regarding practitioners advocating for their patients here. The response was that this is rare, if seen at all. One Buenos Aires hospital no longer has an administrative manager happy to work with a local non-governmental organization providing HIV services. The national law here states that HIV-positive individuals present within Argentina are entitled to care, whether nationals or foreigners. The quality of such publicly-funded care is just not comparable to Canadian standards.
The public system in Argentina is similar the county hospital system found in the United States.
Canadians may balk when others cut in line, but it occurs often here, though only in certain circumstances. Blood draw line-ups are rigidly self-policed but folks waiting for assistance at reception desks in clinics may see
people come in after them who engage in conversation with the person behind the desk, out-of-turn. That said, when one encounters a clear line-up, one always asks who the last person in the line-up is before joining it. The politeness with which people engage in conversation is often a startling improvement on Canadian manners: People greet the person they speak to, first, and then ask permission before asking the actual question. The public purse takes good care of individuals living with HIV. However, some inconvenience in lining up, waiting times, and with other frustrations can be difficult to deal with for anybody. It’s a matter of turning to your neighbour and complaining: Everybody does that here. Still, HIV care has seen much advancement in this region, and more is made almost daily. That’s very encouraging. 5
R Paul Kerston was a long-time member at Positive Living BC until his retirement in 2014. He now lives, rather blissfully, north of Buenos Aires.
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Giving Well now, but that was centre of town back in the day, where life was grand and everything happened.
Q: What do you like to do when not working?
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ositive Living magazine is grateful to our donors, whose financial support helps sustain our programs and services, including this very publication. But who are these mysterious donors? What made them become donors? And why did they choose us? In this column, we put these questions to one of our beloved and well-respected donors to find out a bit more about the people who makes our work possible.
Q: Who are you? What do you do?
The Wildlife Thrift Store is a private, family-owned business on the Granville strip in downtown Vancouver. The thrift store donates to our four favourite charities on an ongoing basis. My husband and I are both from Vancouver, graduating high school from Point Grey and Magee Secondary, and then BCIT and UBC respectively. I am a proud third generation Vancouverite. My grandparents used to own and operate the Regent Hotel on Main and Hastings in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. It’s a little different
When we are not working, we love to spend time with our kids, cousins and other family members enjoying our beautiful Province. We are life-long lovers of the Sunshine Coast, Thormanby Island especially, and we head up to beautiful Tulameen, BC every summer—a little lake paradise tucked into the mountains near Princeton. We love to be both in the water and on the water any chance we get!
Q: How did you first hear about Positive Living BC? Why do you support Positive Living BC?
We first heard about Positive Living back when it was BC Persons With AIDS. Many of our customers and donors coming into the store every day were involved, thus it just seemed natural to get involved ourselves. After all, without these people in our store daily, where would we be? We want to make a difference in our community directly, so what better way to show our support?
Q: Is there anything else you want to tell us?
Over the years it has been a pleasure serving Vancouver. To be able to have a business that not only helps support the people of Vancouver but allows a livelihood that P5SITIVE LIVING | 20 | SEP •• OCT 2013
A DONOR PROFILE By Zoran Stjepanovic
both recycles and can give back is nothing short of a miracle. We are so blessed and grateful that this business works and our neighbourhood and support continue to grow and get stronger every year. Richard Harrison’s Quote “The Wildlife Thrift Store has consistently assisted Support programs at Positive Living BC such as Polli & Esther’s Closet since 2008. Their ongoing and generous support has provided thousands of pairs of socks and underwear to HIV-positive people in need. For many recipients, this can truly mean a difference between spending a night with warm feet or cold wet feet. Their support will enable Positive Living BC to put on a Spiritual Workshop this May long weekend. I am glad they are getting the recognition they deserve for their outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in giving back to the community. Through their caring and consideration, they have also earned the respect and gratitude of those who have benefited from their generous donations.” 5
Zoran Stjepanovic is the director of development with Positive Living BC.
Community Health Fund FAQ
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By Brandon Laviolette he Community Health Fund was set up in the early years of our Society to help members pay for health-related products and services not covered by MSP, private insurance, or other agencies. The health crisis was severe and treatment options were few, so people who were diagnosed sought any method to improve their health by any means, including access to complimentary therapies including vitamins, non-prescription drugs and other health remedies that purported to alleviate the symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Initially, members could access up to $200 per month to help pay for health care items. With the increase of members accessing the fund and the decline in donations, the fund has been limited to members whose monthly income is lower than $2000; they can apply for a monthly $25 reimbursement.
What is included?
The CHF helps members pay for health-related expenses associated with their HIV diagnosis not covered by other sources. Vitamins, supplements, non-prescription over-the-counter medications are included. Health-related services and complimentary alternative therapies that can be shown to alleviate symptoms of HIV or reduce side effects from medications are also covered. What is not included? Food items are not included. We can only pay for goods in their supplement form (pill, powder, liquid) that is added to your nutritional intake to manage your health needs. To minimize the instances where our CHF reimbursement will conflict with other source funding for people on income assistance, food products are not allowed. Probiotic yogurt is not allowed since it is considered a food product, but probiotic supplements in pill form are. Items typically only found in a pharmacy or health food store are likely to be accepted while those products that can also be found in a grocery store fall under greater scrutiny. Some food replacement products, such as Boost, Ensure, or Glucerna are not allowed. Exceptions are sometimes made where these products are required to provide additional calories or to supplement the diet of those who need it to maintain their weight as recommended by a doctor or dietitian.
Each year, money collected from this important fundraiser goes directly to help our members pay for health products and services that are not covered by MSP or other sources.
Who can apply for reimbursement from the CHF?
All members are eligible to access the Community Health Fund if you have a monthly income that does not exceed $2,000 per month. Forms are available on our website at positivelivingbc.org/ services/community-health-fund-chf/, or pick one up at our Member Services desk at the front door of our office, or you can call our CHF Team at (604) 893-2245. Reimbursements can be mailed to you or picked up in our office; all members are encouraged to sign-up for direct deposit, which is the best way to get your reimbursement without any delays.
Why was I declined?
Most declined reimbursements are because the item or service is not covered or because the receipt provided does not meet the guidelines provided by financial auditors. Members who don’t complete the reimbursement form correctly will be sent a letter explaining why they were declined and what they need to do to get their reimbursement. You can only submit a receipt for items purchased in the same calendar month. Exceptions are made in the last week of the month when social assistance cheques are distributed. Some members may submit a reimbursement for items purchased at the end of the month for the next month’s CHF. The CHF team is staffed by volunteers and are available between 10am and 4pm Monday-Friday. If you have any questions, you can email chfteam@positivelivingbc.org or you can call and leave a message at 604.893.2245. 5
Brandon Laviolette is treatment, health and wellness coordinator at Positive Living.
Where does the money come from?
The CHF is funded directly from donations collected at the annual AIDS Walk to Thrive (formerly the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life). P5SITIVE LIVING | 22 | JUL •• AUG 2016
LHIVE Healthy (CTN 288)
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By Sean Sinden
One of the real challenges today for people living with HIV (PLHIV) is to grow old in an healthy way,” says Dr. Jose Côté, principal investigator of the LHIVE Healthy study. It has been known for some time that PLHIV are at a greater risk for diabetes and heart disease than the general population. “Risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet puts them at risk to develop other health problems,” Dr. Côté noted. Estimates suggest that smoking is much more common among PLHIV (50-70 percent) and that physical activity levels are lower than in the general population. Convincing people to adopt healthy behaviours through changing their habits can be quite an undertaking. Previous studies have shown that health education can encourage behaviour change by giving individuals the skills and health literacy to act. Based on this approach, Dr. Côté’s team is using a Web-based, personalized intervention to promote health behaviours for PLHIV. “We found that it is important and relevant to develop innovative initiatives that take into account the singular reality of PLHIV to support them in adopting healthier lifestyles,” says Dr. Côté. Software and web-based interventions in health education are becoming increasingly common. Dr. Côte’s team have used virtual interventions in previous studies. The technology used in the LHIVE healthy study will be tailored to each study participant following an individual evaluation. “With this study, we aim to evaluate if web-based interventions are effective in order to help HIV-positive people make healthy choices to help them live longer and healthier,” said Dr. Côté. “We are working in collaboration with various community organizations, clinics and hospitals across Canada.”
The LHIVE Healthy study is currently recruiting in Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver and online. For more information, please visit lhivehealthy.ca or hivnet.ubc.ca/ clinical-trials/ctn-288/. 5 Sean Sinden is the Communications and Knowledge Translation Officer for the CTN.
Some studies enrolling in BC CTNPT 011
Monitoring penicillin levels for syphilis BC sites: St. Paul’s | Oak Tree Clinic
CTNPT 014
Kaletra/Celsentri combination therapy for HIV in the setting of HCV BC sites: Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre (VIDC), Vancouver | Cool Aid Community Clinic, Victoria
CTN 222
Canadian co-infection cohort BC site: St. Paul’s Hospital, VIDC, Vancouver
CTN 273
Brain Health Now! BC site: St. Paul’s
CTN 271
Gay Poz Sex (GPS) BC site: Positive Living BC
CTN 248
Incentives Stop AIDS and HIV in drug users BC sites: VIDUS/ACCESS Project, Vancouver | Cool Aid Community Clinic, Victoria To find out more about these & other CTN studies, visit the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network at hivnet.ubc.ca or call 1.800.661.4664.
P5SITIVE LIVING | 23 | JUL •• AUG 2016
B
G
ender identity and gender expression affect health by influencing our physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Accordingly, a person’s ability or inability to fully and openly realize his or her gender affects mental and physical health, as well as one’s ability to receive healthcare. A transgender person’s access to health care is limited and second rate. Part of the effort to provide appropriate healthcare to transgender people who live with HIV must include supplying improved access to gender confirmation procedures, including gender confirmation surgeries, organ transplants, and hormone replacement therapy. Access to healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about — and experienced in — caring for transgender clients must also be improved.
Healthcare providers
In a recent survey of Canadian transgender youth, those who said they lived in their “felt” gender all the time were almost 50 percent more likely to report good or excellent mental health when compared to transgender youth who said they only lived in their felt gender part-time. However, the same study showed that the process of seeking out and receiving transgenderspecific healthcare can be onerous. Only 15 percent of the aforementioned individuals reported feeling comfortable discussing their transgender-specific health care needs with their doctor and, by extension, received the necessary healthcare. According to one US study, when transgendered people were interviewed about their experiences with the healthcare system they reported “difficulties interacting with physicians, nurses, staff, and P5SITIVE LIVING | 24 | JUL •• AUG 2016
cht
esbre
Gi y Leah
mental health providers; finding accurate information; and accessing primary, hospital, mental health, and transition-related care.” One transgender patient said, “I’ve had more issues with lack of knowledge, having to [educate] my general practitioner and my gynecologist. They would much rather pass you off and get you out of the office.” The scarce amount of transgenderspecific medical research and literature compounds the situation, making it difficult for healthcare providers to access and reference educational resources.
Gender confirmation surgery
In Canada, access to and the extent of gender confirmation surgery are determined by province of residence. Currently, only eight provinces fund some form of gender confirmation surgery; New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island do not fund any,
and there is no data currently available for Nunavut or the Northwest Territories. In all provinces where surgeries are performed, wait times are lengthy. For people living in provinces that do not fund surgeries, the cost of these procedures can be prohibitive for some people.
Hormone replacement therapy and organ transplants
Along with difficulty accessing gender confirmation surgeries, transgender PLHIV can face additional obstacles when accessing other gender confirmation procedures such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and organ transplants. In the past, PLHIV have reported being refused HRT because of their HIV-positive status or because of the belief HRT would be contraindicated by antiretroviral therapy. In addition, the medical community has historically refused PLHIV organ transplants “because of concern that HIV-positive patients wouldn’t live long, or that their disease or the drugs they need to take could damage an organ.” This situation is changing; however, there is still a shortage of physicians knowledgeable about performing these procedures. For transgender PLHIV, achieving health and well-being can be complicated and arduous. Part of remedying this situation and supporting transgender PLHIV is to realize that full health care includes improving access to knowledgeable and experienced care providers, as well as increased access to gender confirmation surgery, organ transplants, and hormone replacement therapy. Positive Living BC’s position paper on gender confirmation surgery for PLHIV is available at www.positivelivingbc.org. 5 Leah Giesbrecht is a communications coordinator at Positive Living BC.
A FIRST-PERSON TAKE Tyler Cuddahy, a volunteer with Positive Living BC, gives a personal perspective on gender confirmation surgery. Q: Why is this topic important to you?
A: Gender confirmation surgery for people living with HIV is important to me because I identify as a transgender person. I feel with how society has been changing, that the whole transgender community is coming out more. Our voices are being heard more, but I feel we don’t have equality yet. Access to surgery is important because if anybody wants to alter or change their body in any way, they should be able to do it. If it makes us more comfortable within our own skins, there should be no limitations on it. We should be able to do what we want with our bodies.
Q: Tell me about your experience with the healthcare system.
A: I have two doctors, an HIV specialist and a general practitioner. My GP works largely with the transgender community and she works closely with my HIV specialist. You need to find doctors who will work hand-in-hand. But not all doctors will want to work with another doctor: for example, a GP might not want to work with an HIV specialist.
Q: Do you think access to gender confirmation surgery affects a person’s mental or physical health?
I think gender confirmation surgery affects a person’s mental health. In my opinion, the surgery can lead to more of a mental disadvantage. For me, when I get my surgery, I will have both sexes. That is where the stigma kicks in. It is taboo, but it is erotic, but there is also a lot of hatred for this. With mental health, an individual must be fully comfortable knowing there could be more stigma placed on you after surgery, and there might be more violence directed at you.
P5SITIVE LIVING | 25 | JUL •• AUG 2016
For access to surgery, if people want to have gender confirmation surgery but they are unable to access it, I think it could lead to depression and then maybe suicide.
Q: When it comes to gender confirmation surgery, is there anything you wish the general public knew more about?
A: Just because we change something on ourselves physically, we haven’t changed our minds. People get treated like a whole different person after surgery, but really, they are not. Just treat me like the same person. When we change our bodies we don’t change our minds.
Q: Are there barriers that prevent people from undergoing gender confirmation surgery?
A: The financial cost of surgery is a huge problem. I wish it wasn’t so costly, especially for people living with HIV, or people on welfare, or people who have lower incomes. The availability of gender confirmation surgery needs to be improved. We shouldn’t have to go to Montreal or the US to access surgery. This is especially difficult if you have a previous criminal record and can’t afford to get a pardon, or if you can’t afford to get a passport. We need more doctors who are willing to be pioneers and who are willing to stand up for this, perform the surgeries, and support the transgender community.
Q: What are some words that come to mind when you think about gender confirmation surgery?
A: When I think about gender confirmation surgery, words that come to mind are “change of body,” “new birth,” and “being happy and complete.”
In grateful recognition of the generosity of Positive Living BC supporters Gifts received March – April 2016
$5000+ LEGACY CIRCLE Peter Chung The Community Arts
$1000 - $2499 CHAMPIONS
Bramwell Tovey Dean Nelson Docusystems Integrations INC Dr. Fraser Norrie Gina Best Harvey Strydhorst J. Bhandary Metropolitan Pharmacy Paul Finch Paul Goyan Victor Elkins Wildlife Thrift Store
$500 - $999 LEADERS
Anne Beaulieu Blair Smith Brian Lambert Christian M. Denarie Cliff Hall David C. Veljacic David Hall David MacDonald Dean Mirau Dean Thullner Deborah Bourque Dianne Doyle Dr. Silvia Guillemi Emet G. Davis Fraser Doke James Goodman Leslie Rae Mahmoud Virani Melody Burton Mike Holmwood Raja Dutta Rebecca Johnston Robert Bailey Ross Harvey Ryan Seitz Scott Elliott Stantec Consulting Stephanie R. Smith Surita Parashar
$150 - $499 HEROES Adam Reibin Aimee Cho
Alexander Hird Angelika Podgorska Bonnie Pearson Brian A. Yuen Carl Meadows Carmine Digiovanni Cheryl Basarab Cheryl Jolliffe Colin Macdonald Darrin D. Pope Dena R. Ellery Dennis Parkinson Don Evans Donisa Bernardo Elizabeth Briemberg Edith Davidson Erik Carlson Glenn Stensrud Glyn A. Townson Glynis Davisson Graeme Boyd Gretchen Dulmage James Ong Jan Christilaw Jane Talbot Jean Sebastian Hartell John Bishop Kasey Reese Kate McMeiken Katherine M. Richmond Kathleen Gammer Keith A. Stead Keith Reynolds Ken Coolen Kenton R. McBurney Kerry Jang Laura H. Morris Len Christiansen Lillian M. Soga Lorne Berkovitz Mark Hull Mark Mees Mary Petty Maxine Davis McGill University Mike McKimm Pam Johnson Patricia Dyck Patrick Carr Ralph E. Trumpour Ricardo Hamdan Richard Coleman Robert Capar Ron J. Hogan Ronald G. Stipp Ross Thompson Sarah Chown Sidney Gold Stephanie Tofield Stephen French Susan C. Burgess
Taste Catering Ltd Tiko Kerr Tony Marchigiano Vince Connors Volume Studio Gallery Ltd Wayne Avery
$20 - $149 FRIENDS
John Gieser John Yano Jolene Parker Jose Chavez Josh Rimer Kara Westlake Kath Webster Kathe Epp-Nicolaus Keith Jewers Leonora Calingasan Lindsay Mearns Lisa Bradbury Lisa Nguyen Lisa Raichle Lori Hutchison Louella Vincent Mark Scheftner Meena Wong Michael Cartwright Miranda Leffler Paul Harris Paulo Henrique Santana Penny Parry Preston Parsons Robert Bayntun Robert Dul Ron Wilson Rosalind Baltzer Turje Salvatore Martorana Samantha Mack Sandra Bruneau Scott Blythe Sergio Pereira Sharon E. Lou-Hing Shelley Bridge Showmax Event Production Stephanie Goodwin Sue Bhatti Susan Giles Suzan Blackwood Tania LaSalle Teresa J Laternus Tessa McHardy Tobias Donaldson Tracey L. Hearst Uniform Local 468 Valerie Martin Vicki Williams William Park Wilma Stewart Yue Lin Zdravko Cimbaljevic Zoran Stjepanovic
Adrian Smith Adrienne Wong Alin Senecal-Harkin Alina Wilson Alison Barrett Andrea Reimer Andrew Bass Angela McGie Barry DeVito Belle Ancelle Photography Bernard Anderson Blair Redlin Brigitte MacKenzie Bubli Chakraborty Byron Cooke Ca Lien Forrest Cameron Murton Carolyn Rice Caryl Dolinko Catherine Campbell Catriona McParland Chris G. Clark Chris Kean Christena MacMillan Christian Woo Connie Hubbs Corey Ouellet Craig Weckerle Debbie Dyer Elizabeth M Heded Evanna Brennan Ezequiel Gonzales Fred West Gloria Bornal Grania Mccall Grant Minish Heath Busse Heather Inglis Hugo Wilson Munoz Irene Goldstone Isabelle Swiderski Jamie Dolinko Jane McCall Janet Andrews Jason Hutchison To make a contribution to Positive Living BC, Jason Landry contact the director of development, Jeannie Shoveller Zoran Stjepanovic. Jeff Anderson Jeff Meerman zorans@positivelivingbc.org Jeremy Langdon 604.893.2282 Jeremy Poster
P5SITIVE LIVING | 26 | JUL •• AUG 2016
PROFILE OF A VOLUNTEER
Ray is a go-to volunteer for Fund Development. He turns his hand to whatever needs to be done, even when the task is repetitive, because he knows that big events are made out of many small contributions. He is committed and we are lucky to have him. Alina Wilson, Sponsorship and Capital Campaign Assistant
*Ray Sullivan*
What is your volunteer history? What jobs have you done with Positive Living BC? I believe I am in my second year at Positive Living BC. I started out in reception than went to lounge. And than over to fund development, where I have been for the past year. Why did you pick Positive Living BC? I knew a lot of the volunteers here, and I thought it would be a great fit for me. How would you rate Positive Living BC? I rate Positive Living BC at a 8.5. As for why, because it feels like home here.
What are Positive Living BC ‘s strongest points? They are always putting the members first. What is your favourite memory of your time as a volunteer at Positive Living BC? I have many memories, but the one that sticks out is the last day at our old home. And watching our new home be built. (They’re past the fourth floor now.) What do you see in the future at and /or for Positive Living BC? More programs to help people living with HIV get back to work again.
P5SITIVE LIVING | 27 | JUL •• AUG 2016
Where to find
HELP
If you’re looking for help of information on HIV/AIDS, the following list is a starting point. For more comprehensive listings of HIV/AIDS organizations and services, please visit www.positivelivingbc.org/links
bA LOVING SPOONFUL Suite 100 – 1300 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3G6 604.682.6325 clients@alovingspoonful.org lovingspoonful.org
bANKORS (WEST) 101 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H1 250.505.5506 or 1.800.421.AIDS information@ankors.bc.ca ankors.bc.ca
bPOSITIVE LIVING NORTH WEST 3862F Broadway Avenue Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 250.877.0042 or 1.866.877.0042 plnw.org
cAIDS SOCIETY OF KAMLOOPS
bDR. PETER CENTRE
& FAMILIES 40 Begbie Street New Westminster, BC V3M 3L9 604.526.2522 nfo@purposesociety.org purposesociety.org
(ASK WELLNESS CENTRE) 433 Tranquille Road Kamloops, BC V2B 3G9 250.376.7585 or 1.800.661.7541 info@askwellness.ca askwellness.ca
1110 Comox Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1K5 604.608.1874 info@drpetercentre.ca drpetercentre.ca
bAIDS VANCOUVER
RESOURCE CENTRE OKANAGAN 168 Asher Road Kelowna, BC V1X 3H6 778.753.5830 or 1.800.616.2437 info@lprc.ca livingpositive.ca
803 East Hastings Vancouver, BC V6A 1RB 604.893.2201 contact@aidsvancouver.org aidsvancouver.org
bBAIDS VANCOUVER ISLAND (Victoria) 713 Johnson Street, 3rd Floor Victoria, BC V8W 1M8 250.384.2366 or 1.800.665.2437 info@avi.org avi.org
bAIDS VANCOUVER ISLAND (Campbell River) 250.830.0787 or 1.877.650.8787 info@avi.org avi.org/campbellriver
bBAIDS VANCOUVER ISLAND (Courtenay) 250.338.7400 or 1.877.311.7400 info@avi.org avi.org/courtenay
bBAIDS VANCOUVER ISLAND (Nanaimo) 250.753.2437 or 1.888.530.2437 avi.org/nanaimo
info@avi.org
bAIDS VANCOUVER ISLAND (Port Hardy) 250.902.2238 info@avi.org avi.org/porthardy
bANKORS (EAST) 46 - 17th Avenue South Cranbrook, BC V1C 5A8 250.426.3383 or 1.800.421.AIDS gary@ankors.bc.ca ankors.bc.ca
bLIVING POSITIVE
bMCLAREN HOUSING
200-649 Helmcken Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5R1 604.669.4090 info@mclarenhousing.com mclarenhousing.com
bOKANAGAN ABORIGINAL AIDS
SOCIETY 200-3717 Old Okanagan Way Westbank, BC V4T 2H9 778.754.5595 info@oaas.ca oaas.ca
bPOSITIVE LIVING
FRASER VALLEY SOCIETY Unit 1 – 2712 Clearbrook Road Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Z1 604.854.1101 info@plfv.org plfv.org
bPOSITIVE LIVING NORTH
#1 - 1563 Second Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3B8 250.562.1172 or 1.888.438.2437 positivelivingnorth.org
P5SITIVE LIVING | 28 | JUL •• AUG 2016
bPURPOSE SOCIETY FOR YOUTH
bRED ROAD HIV/AIDS NETWORK 61-1959 Marine Drive North Vancouver, BC V7P 3G1 778.340.3388 info@red-road.org red-road.org bVANCOUVER NATIVE HEALTH SOCIETY 449 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6A 1P5 604.254.9949 vnhs@shawbiz.ca vnhs.net
bVANCOUVER ISLAND PERSONS
LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS SOCIETY 1139 Yates Street Victoria, BC V8V 3N2 250.382.7927 or 1.877.382.7927 support@vpwas.com vpwas.com
bWINGS HOUSING SOCIETY 12–1041 Comox Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1K1 604.899.5405 wingshousing@shaw.ca wingshousing.org bYOUTHCO 205–568 Seymour Street Vancouver, BC V6B 3J5 604.688 1441 or 1.855.968.8426 info@youthco.org youthco.org
POSITIVE LIVING BC SOCIETY BUSINESS UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
STANDING COMMITTEES & SUBCOMMITTEES
WEDNESDAYS 4 PM | BOARD ROOM
If you are a member of the Positive Living Society of BC, you can get involved and help make crucial decisions by joining a committee. To become a voting member on a committee, please attend three consecutive meetings. Here is a list of some committees you might be interested in and their contact information. More committees are listed at www.positivelivingbc.org
July 13, 2016
Reports to be presented >> Executive Committee | Quarterly Department Reports - 1st Quarter | Written Executive Director Report | Membership Statistics | Director of Fund Development
July 27, 2016
Reports to be presented >> Executive Committee | Financial Statements - Audited Financials | Director of Human Resources
August 10, 2016
Reports to be presented >> Financial Statements - June | Written Executive Director Report | Standing Committees | Director of Programs & Services
August 24, 2016
Board & Volunteer Development_ Marc Seguin marcs@positivelivingbc.org 604.893.2298 Positive Action Committee_ Suzan Krieger suzank@positivelivingbc.org 604.893.2283 Education & Communications_ Adam Reibin adamr@positivelivingbc.org 604.893.2209 Health & Wellness_ Elgin Lim elginl@positivelivingbc.org 604.893.2225 History Alive!_ Leah Giesbrecht leahg@positivelivingbc.org 604.893.2298
Reports to be presented >> Director of Operations & Administration | Executive Committee
Positive Living Magazine_Jason Motz living@positivelivingbc.org 604.893.2206
Positive Living BC is located at 803 East Hastings, Vancouver, V6A 1R8. For more information, contact: Alexandra Regier, director of operations 604.893.2292 | alexr@positivelivingbc.org
ViVA (women living with HIV)_Tina Douglas tinad@positivelivingbc.org 604.682.2344 x 63894
Name________________________________________ Address __________________ City_____________________ Prov/State _____ Postal/Zip Code________ Country______________ Phone ________________ E-mail_______________________ I have enclosed my cheque of $______ for Positive Living m $25 in Canada m $50 (CND $) International Please send ______ subscription(s)
Support Services_ Jackie Haywood jackieh@positivelivingbc.org 604.893.2259
m BC ASOs & Healthcare providers by donation: Minimum $6 per annual subscription. Please send ____ subscription(s) m Please send Positive Living BC Membership form (membership includes free subscription) m Enclosed is my donation of $______ for Positive Living * Annual subscription includes 6 issues. Cheque payable to Positive Living BC.
P5SITIVE LIVING | 29 | JUL •• AUG 2016
Last Blast I don’t wanna grow up
I
By Val Nicholson
have decided that I am not going to grow up. That’s right— not going to do it. I want to play dress-up and hide in my fort. I want to blow bubbles, play in the rain, and jump in puddles. I want to race the ocean waves and play in the forest. Going to stay up late, sleep in, and eat breakfast in bed. I will colour like a rebel. “You can not use that colour. All flowers have to be red and the houses brown and the sky blue.” Not in my picture. The flower has seven colours, the house is a rainbow, and the sky is alive with all the crayons in the box. Life is too short and there are a lot of flowers to smell and to pick. I am going to be the rebel with a cause. I am going to do 100 good deeds a year. I am going to talk to strangers on the bus or on the street. Going to take the time to listen to their stories, laugh a little, cry a bit, and understand life from many different aspects. I am going to challenge myself and dare myself to go where I have never gone before. I bought a young girl lunch the other day; the hug I got in return was worth more than the lunch itself. I bought fruit and vegetables for some of our volunteers who were working on Friday. It was fun. I gave someone a dollar as she was short 25 cents to buy cat food. I held the door open at a store; I let someone go in front of me in a line-up. I paid for someone’s bus fare and then gave up my seat. I talked for hours with someone in the hospital who was lonely. No rules, no work this weekend, just a girl wanting to have fun. I said good morning, good afternoon, have a great day to complete strangers and hugged old friends. I picked flowers and walked barefoot in the grass. I picked up interesting looking rocks and wrote messages on them, then left them for someone else to find and I watched the eagles fly over.
I took ice water out to the workers who were working on the road in front of my building. I went shopping and carried a sword for the rest of the day and wore a king’s crown. The looks I got did not matter, as I was being a kid again. I saw a tutu that I want to wear and not just for Pride. (And I even found the perfect mask and gloves to boot!) I was smiling and laughing and it was contagious. I bought some sidewalk chalk and I will draw and color and leave messages of hope and love on the sidewalks. I am going to build things out of Play Doh. This not growing up deal is just too much fun. What started all this was, I was having a bad day and I had been asked for spare change by several different people all within half a block. And then one young man began his spiel well I did not even look at him. I growled under my breath, waiting for the pitch. But he surprised me. He said, “Can I borrow a smile?” I was bowled over. I stopped and thanked him, and I told him no, he could not borrow a smile but he could have one. I gave him a huge smile and thanked him. He changed my outlook and my day, but mostly he changed me— he had nothing yet all he wanted was for people, including this stranger, to just smile. One act of kindness can make a difference and I want to make a difference every day. So if you need me, I will be in my fort. 5 Val Nicholson is the Chair of Positive Living BC
P5SITIVE LIVING | 30 | JUL •• AUG 2016
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Sign up at the member services desk. Contact Leah leahg@positivelivingbc.org 604.893.2298 � � � �����
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10AM
�THE ROUNDHOUSE AIDSWALKVan
WALK, Music Festival, Wellness Fair! M a l k i n B o w l @ 1 PM
aidswalktothrive.ca