The Pulse: August 2023 by LetsStopAIDS

CHEW & BREW (PG 6)

This August we’re taking a leaf out of the LetsStopAIDS history books to revive our 2012 event, Chew & Brew. Raising money for the expansion of our Peer-to-Peer workshops, Chew & Brew will feature hot dogs, drinks by Collective Arts, a silent auction and more!

Check out page 6 for details.

ISSUE 04 AUG 2023

JULY HIGHLIGHTS

barry’s

On July 22nd, LetsStopAIDS had the privilege to collaborate with Barry’s Bootcamp to bring to our community a charity workout and sweat it out to the beats of artists who have been prevalent voices in the HIV response.

Congratulations to everyone who showed up on their precious Saturday. Because of you, we are able to expand our Peer-to-Peer workshops in Canadian regions with the highest HIV new diagnoses rates, bringing inclusive, comprehensive sex education to youth in affected communities.

pEER To PEER in saskatchewan

Originally developed as a supplement to the Sex Ed curriculum, Peer to Peer workshops were designed to give young Canadians essential information about sexual health and HIV treatment and prevention in a stigma free environment. Now, developed by youth, for youth, the workshops empower youth to make informed choices based on their individual needs and preferences.

Thanks to the donations from our Barry’s charity class fundraising event, Fernanda and Sujun were able to travel to Saskatoon and Regina to host the workshops in-person! Here at the University of Saskatchewan, the two of them delivered interactive lessons which discussed topics such as STIs, Relationship & Dating, and Safer sex practices.

To support the continuation of important programmes such as these, be sure to follow our socials in order to stay up to date on our future fundraising events!

Before she immigrated to Canada in May 2023, Nandini was working in India for a charity called Design For Change, which empowers young children by teaching them leadership and problem solving skills. However, her passion for HIV advocacy began when she was a university student at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India – she describes her involvement with LetsStopAIDS as “truly a full circle moment”.

In a short 3 months, Nandini has led the charge in LetsStopAIDS’ PrEP the Future recruitment process; a programme which connects Youth HIV Leaders around the globe. Nandini says that she was touched by the overwhelming number of applications (over 2500!), but she was particularly blown away by the passion and creativity of the applicants.

In her spare time, Nandini is an avid cook and a huge fan of Korean dramas. Be sure to keep an eye out for Nandini and the rest of our incredibly talented team at our upcoming LetsStopAIDS events! Follow us on our socials or stay tuned for our monthly newsletters for all the updates.

“No matter where you are in the world, connections are the same amongst kindhearted people.”

www.LetsStopAIDS.org @LetsStopAIDS 03

IN THE NEWS

THE END OF RAINBOW- WASHING

By: Gabrial Brown

The recent Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light controversy has exposed the flaws within corporate responsibility, unmasking the shortcomings of rainbow-washing and "woke" capitalism.

The controversy emerged when Bud Light sent transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney beers as part of a paid sponsorship deal, resulting in backlash from conservative circles and calls for a boycott. In response to the conservative backlash, the company backtracked from their proposed campaign, sparking other corporations like Target, Kohls, and Starbucks to refrain from Pride branding, which may spread to other corporations. (David, 2023; Tumin & Holpuch, 2023). The original stated goal of corporate social responsibility is to prevent

government intervention while hiding behind social issues. Most significant though, it still ultimately aims to maximize profits (Bruxelle, 2018). What were once social problems, became strategic opportunities for business; entangling social responsibility, corporate power, and shareholder value.

This incident highlights the need to scrutinize corporate actions and demand genuine change. It is important to challenge the prevailing narrative, hold corporations accountable, and strive for authentic social justice. In order to enact real change, we must put an end to rainbow washing and woke capitalism. By doing so, we can work towards a more equitable future that is free from the deceptive allure of woke capitalism.

IN THE NEWS

The Path to Ending AIDS by 2030: Progress and Challenges

By: Bhavika Kalra

A recent report by UNAIDS titled "The Path to Ending AIDS by 2030" outlines the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. The report demonstrates the progress made across various African countries. Efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission have yielded positive results, with an 82% increase in pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV accessing antiretroviral treatment (UNAIDS). This has led to a significant reduction in new HIV infections among children. Additionally, several countries have decriminalized samesex sexual relations, further supporting the effort towards effective HIV prevention and treatment.

Despite these achievements, challenges and

gaps remain. AIDS continues to claim lives, with approximately 9.2 million people lacking access to treatment (UNAIDS). Women and girls, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, bear a disproportionate burden of the disease. This is largely due to the lack of access to treatment/prevention and gender equity in many of these regions.

In short, while progress has been made, ending AIDS requires collective action and continued commitment. By focusing on evidence-based strategies, increasing funding, and upholding human rights, the global community can strive towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The report serves as a roadmap, urging governments, leaders, and communities to seize the opportunity and make a significant impact in the fight against AIDS.

Controversial HIV immigration policy

revoked by Canadian government

By: Sarah DeBuono

There has been a significant development toward equity for HIV-positive immigrants and refugees in Canada. Those under the family-class are no longer required to disclose their status to their partners. This policy, which began in 2003 as a public health measure to stop new HIV infections, has been criticized by activists claiming it is highly discriminatory and ignores new medical advancements. There are also no similar measures for other health conditions.

A note from the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website declared, “Beginning July 7, 2023, automatic

partner notifications of applicants in the sponsored family class and dependent refugee class who test positive for HIV will be discontinued.” The HIV Legal Network applauded this change, stating that it makes Canada more worthy of their reputation as a leader in both HIV and human rights. However, all applicants for permanent residence are required to undergo an HIV test which can contribute to an applicant being “medically inadmissible” such that they are a danger to public health and safety, or will have an excessive demand for social services.

06 BBQ & DRINKS SILENT AUCTION 1033 COLLEGE STREET SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE

LETSSTOPAIDS IN ACTION

NoTimeToWait is back! Save the date now to be sure you don’t miss out on this jampacked event including inspiring speakers, storytellers, performers, artists, workshops, networking, and social events!

pre-register here APPLY HERE