So, I went to this Ryan White Consortium today, and it was very interesting to hear how AIDS advocates are helping make a difference. There's so much stigma and problems still with HIV/AIDS; it's ridiculous.

I wanted to provide an example, which is a recent editorial that a community member wrote into the newspaper, to which there was a response from Four A's (our executive director, whom I dislike, but did a great job responding)...so here it is: your social justice/HIV social justice update--

More attention needed on cancer, a more prevalent disease than AIDS

World AIDS day has just passed, and I wanted to note the disproportionate attention that AIDS gets in this country in comparison to cancer. The obituaries that are printed in this newspaper tell the tale of cancer cutting short one person's life or another, not AIDS (there are so few cases in Alaska). In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that AIDS killed approximately 18,017 people in 2003, while cancer killed over 500,000 people in 2004.

Both diseases have and will kill innocent people who have no control over how they contracted the disease. But with AIDS in the United States, the disease could be easily mitigated if individuals halted what many consider, myself included, a disgraceful and immoral activity, i.e., engaging in homosexual acts. With regard to AIDS, it seems like we are trying to find the cure so some can continue the acts. Please turn the spotlight back to cancer and other less discriminate diseases. Look at the numbers. Then do what you can to help fight what is really killing Alaskans and Americans.

---- Joshua Scott Glennallen

Four A's gave the following response:

Community must overcome stigma of AIDS to increase awareness

World AIDS Day exists because of letters like Joshua Scott's on Dec. 11 ("More attention needed on cancer, a more prevalent disease than AIDS"). Mr. Scott states, "the disease could be easily mitigated if individuals halted what many consider, myself included, a disgraceful and immoral activity, i.e., engaging in homosexual acts." The myth that HIV is a gay disease promotes the attitude, "It only happens to those people." Worldwide, the primary cause of HIV infection is through heterosexual intercourse. This trend is reflected in the number of Alaskans serviced by the lead AIDS organization: 48 percent heterosexual, 41 percent homosexual and 9 percent unidentified.

Mr. Scott compares the number of cancer deaths to AIDS to justify why one disease deserves more attention. Health is not a numbers game. No matter how many people are infected, we are all affected. Making judgmental statements like, "... less discriminate diseases" only strengthens the stigma and longevity of any disease.

Not long ago, people would whisper about the big "C." Cancer once carried a similar stigma that is placed on AIDS. It caused individuals not to be pre-screened or to shy away from sharing their diagnosis. However, today, cancer is openly discussed. As a consequence, more people are better informed and adopted healthier behaviors. That is what we seek by promoting HIV/AIDS awareness.

As a community, let's overcome stigma and make our community a healthier place.

Trevor Storrs, executive director
Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association