Activist blog at global AIDS conference puts the sex and drugs back into HIV prevention

TimeToDeliver.org: Independent Blog Puts the Sex and Drugs Back into
AIDS through Honest Coverage at International AIDS Conference

CHAMP (Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project) and Harm Reduction Coalition offer site as a resource to AIDS community, on- and off-site press, with full-scale launch Monday August 14 at 7 am

TimeToDeliver.org provides the opportunity for AIDS activists, including people living with HIV and/or people of color and their allies, to communicate about their activities and perspectives on the International AIDS Conference in Toronto, August 13-18. Focusing on HIV prevention research and policies, sexual rights and drug policies, the site will also include information on global treatment access, hepatitis C, prison and incarceration, and other issues that intersect with HIV prevention.

While the site is open to a range of postings, organizers will ensure the provision of press releases, background and commentary on
its Press Center pages that highlight the role of government and major stakeholder policies on sex, drugs and other areas of the AIDS response.

“Stigma is not a ground-up phenomenon,” observed Julie Davids, referring to one of the most widely used terms at the conference, “Our site holds political and social leaders accountable for their role in stigma-creation and exacerbation, demanding a fundamental standard of human rights in HIV programs, education and financing that honors the dignity of all. Since the last conference, we’ve seen increased attacks on sexual and gender minorities, censorship of HIV prevention and imposition of ideologically-based mandates on global efforts. This is not the kind of scale-up we need, and we are dedicated to exposing harmful policies and practices.”

In addition, they will expose the severity of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, stressing that those concerned with the global epidemic should scrutinize the HIV policies and realities in the nation which is the largest funder of the global AIDS response. For example, fully half of HIV+ people in need of treatment can not regularly access care, and the epidemic is growing in communities of color.

“With 46% of Black gay men and other men who have sex with men already infected in my country, we can see the impact of institutionalized homophobia, racism and wrongheaded policies ranging from criminal justice to substance use policies to health care access -- even in a nation with a plethora of resources,” noted Mark McLaurin of the New York State Black Gay Men’s Network and a CHAMP board member. “When I meet those from elsewhere being pressured to adopt US policies on testing, prevention and care, I might should caution, ‘Don’t try this at home.’”

TimeToDeliver.org will provide highlights from conference sessions and related events, bring reports and materials from direct actions, rallies and community efforts, and talk back to coverage of the conference. We will promote open debate, and bring the real voices and images of people with HIV and allies at the conference through multimedia postings. TimeToDeliver.org is a blog by and for AIDS activist, who know that there is no debate on whether HIV is the cause of AIDS. This is not and will not be forum for AIDS denialists. For more information on AIDS denialists, see AIDSTruth.org.

The blog will be open to public posting and comment. It will include coverage on:
-- discrimination and stigma as not just individual attitudes but as promoted by public policies and programs
-- United States domestic and global policies
-- prevention research and policies:
including funding issues, HIV testing, prevention technologies, and links between prevention and treatment
-- drug users issues and research
-- gender-based violence in the lives of women, transpeople and sexual minorities
-- jails, prisons and the system of incarceration
-- racial justice
-- women living with HIV
-- gay men and other men who have sex with men
-- youth

Correspondents include:
Allan Clear, Harm Reduction Coalition
Luciano Colonna, Harm Reduction Project
Anne-Christine D’Adesky, WE-ACTX
Julie Davids, CHAMP
Corey Dubin, Committee of Ten Thousand / Coyote Radio
Richard Jefferys, Treatment Action Group (TAG)
Kayley Harrington, Advocates for Youth
Mark McLaurin, NY State Black Gay Network / National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition
David Munar, AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Jim Pickett, International Rectal Microbicide Working Group
Walt Senterfitt, Being Alive/LA, CHAMP
Waheedah Shabazz-El, ACT UP Philadelphia
Deborah Small, Breaking the Chains

TimeToDeliver.org is sponsored by the Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) and Harm Reduction Coalition, but our contributors are solely responsible for their content.

The Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP) is an educator, watchdog and advocate committed to HIV prevention as a human right linked to social, racial and economic justice. We bring together policy analysis, communications and grass roots advocacy in order to educate the media, improve HIV prevention policies and accelerate development of new prevention options. CHAMP is dedicated to changing policies today, while identifying, training and mobilizing the next generation of the AIDS movement for our future struggles.

The Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC) is committed to reducing drug-related harm among individuals and communities by initiating and promoting local, regional, and national harm reduction education, interventions, and community organizing. The Harm Reduction Coalition believes in every individual's right to health and well-being as well as in their competency to protect and help themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.

CHAMP and the Harm Reduction Coalition are members of the Caucus for Evidence-Based Prevention (http://caucus.hiv-prevention.org) a coalition of US-based non-governmental organizations and their international partners. The Caucus will provide expert guidance on new developments in prevention presented in Toronto and the importance of global HIV prevention based on sound scientific evidence.

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Julie Davids
Executive Director, Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP)

293 Oxford Street
Providence, RI 02905

(401) 427-2302 x 10
401) 633-7793 FAX
(646) 431-7525 mobile