We were delighted that the October issue included an article about services in Wales. I do feel, however, that the article misrepresented some of my views, and did not detail the range of services offered by The SWISH Centre. I do not believe that Welsh Nationalism and the Welsh language go hand in hand with homophobia and HIV stigma, as your article seems to imply. Rural communities west and north-west of Swansea do have limited resources available, but this does not create an urban-rural divide as stated in your article. People with HIV living in these areas do have to travel substantial distances to attend the nearest HIV clinic or hospital ward however, and this situation can increase the feelings of isolation and stigma for them. Thanks again, however, for putting us on the map. Looking forward to future issues.
Tracey Ley, Outreach Worker, The Swish Centre, Swansea, Wales
Thanks for the memory
Congratulations to Martin Flynn; he actually credited Martyn Butler as the founder of the Terrence Higgins Trust. How often that fact is overlooked or conveniently erased from many sites, including the THT’s own. Well done.
David Hewett, By Email
Different strokes...
I attended the ‘Living Well with HIV’ conference convened by the Terrence Higgins Trust on 9th December. This clarified for me a spin away from gay men’s issues at conference level. It is of course vitally important that Afrocentric HIV/AIDS issues are aired but not, I maintain, at the expense of gay men’s. The issues affecting and challenging each group are not the same or, in many instances, even comparable: immigration issues vs. ‘barebacking’, for instance. It may be time for THT to consider holding two separate ‘Living Well with HIV’ annual conferences, one for each ‘brand’, in order not to short-change either group. Both sectors demand equal attention that is no longer best served by generic conferences or policies.
Cass Mann, Chief Executive, Positively Healthy, Richmond, Surrey