Wanted: activists
What has happened to the UK Aids activists?
I had an amazing conversation with my consultant recently. He told me
that many young gay men who visited him at his clinic had little interest
in their own health. They often had not eaten properly, or had slept on
the floors of friends. Yet they still had sufficient funds for the latest
in designer clothes. For the young 'pink pound' generation of people affected
by HIV, image and consumerism are everything.
There has been a general decline in activism across the board, apart from
the anti-globalisation movement. The cosy relationship between corporate-style
charities and the decision-makers doesn't help.
Then there is the more human reaction of 'burn out', especially true of
those such as myself, now in our 40s, who have been involved for a long
time. Aids is still a killer. More people with HIV have to get up off
their complacent backsides and do something.
Joseph Healy, Southwark, South London
Membership: ask first
I have just received what I consider to be a sneaky letter from the UK
Coalition telling me that I have become an 'affiliate' member. What right
does the UKC have in claiming me as a member merely because I am on the
mailing list for Positive Nation? It is dishonest in my opinion to claim
members without those people making a decision to become members, and
having rights of membership. Do other people feel this way?
page 3 of 4
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Anonymous, Scotland
