Economic Justice and HIV

Poverty and unstable housing fuel the AIDS epidemic. People who struggle to survive day-to-day are focused on getting by and are challenged to take the steps needed to prevent HIV and other chronic diseases. HIV is a symptom of poverty. Unstable housing contributes to the epidemic by causing instability and stress; forces people to turn to survival sex to put a roof over their heads; and tears families apart. Moreover, people with HIV who are homeless or unstably housed are often unable to take HIV medications or keep medical appointments.

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Economic Justice + Poverty + Housing

25 Years Later... Still Acting Up

Submitted by Suraj Madoori on Mon, 04/30/2012 - 1:09am

After 14 years as a member of ACT UP Philadelphia, HIV PJA Staff Member Julie Davids, was among many who commemorated the 25th Anniversary of ACT UP with a march on Wall Street in New York City last week on April 25.

Activists, current and former ACT UP members, PJA allies, PWLHAs, and others - converged upon the financial district, recalling the 1987 direct action where early ACT UP members occupied Wall Street demanding access to treatment and a coordinated policy response to the growing epidemic. A protest that would greatly impact the epidemic by lowering the high price of treatment (AZT) at that time.  Read more »

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HIV+ Women Are a Valuable Asset for Economic Growth

Submitted by Suraj Madoori on Fri, 04/20/2012 - 12:28pm

This article has been cross-posted from the U.S. Positive Women's Network (U.S. PWN) blog, a partner and ally of HIV PJA. To access the original posting and learn more about U.S. PWN, please click here. 

By Precious Jackson in Los Angeles, CA

As we approach the closing of this year’s tax season, I wonder how many HIV+ women were able to work to file their tax returns and reap the benefits of a tax refund, probably not many. According to The HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study, they found that women with HIV were disproportionately low income, 64% had annual incomes below $10,000 compared to 41% of men. If 64% of HIV positive women had annual incomes below $10,000 how could they have contributed to the stimulation of the economy by purchasing “big ticketed items” from they’re refund check. If they worked part time and were able to receive a tax refund, more than likely the monies they received went towards necessities not luxury items.

HIV positive women deserve to have equitable access to supportive services like transportation, onsite child care for their medical, mental health and case management appointments and quality food banks. These services are the gateway for women to staying into medical care so they can maintain optimal health. Read more »

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On 25 Years of ACT UP: Jim Eigo's Powerful Speech at the "AIDS Activism Now" Panel Presentation

Submitted by Suraj Madoori on Tue, 04/24/2012 - 2:26pm

Recently, HIV PJA steering committee member Che Gossett and HIV PJA staff member Julie Davids spoke at panel presentation entitled AIDS Activism Now at the Village Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center in New York City.  Read more »

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Pushing the Glass Ceiling: Life, Liberty and Justice for HIV+ Women

Submitted by Suraj Madoori on Fri, 04/20/2012 - 12:35pm

This article has been cross-posted from the U.S. Positive Women's Network (PWN) blog, a partner and ally of HIV PJA. To access the original posting and learn more about PWN, please click here.

By Nicole Seguin in Detroit, MI

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”


~ Nelson Mandela, speaking at the launch of Britain’s Make Poverty History campaign

Seven years ago, I sat in an academic advisor’s office so excited and a little nervous. We mapped out the courses I should take. He helped me apply for the Engineering Program at Wayne State University. He handed me an application for the Society of Women and Engineering, an opportunity for a full scholarship. I was on the Dean’s list. He gave me a letter that read you are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, a national honor society for students attending two year colleges. I couldn’t believe it. After all these years, I was on the verge of being successful. I was so close I could almost taste it. I had it all figured out. I felt so proud of myself, determined to beat the odds. I finally had hope in the future. I was going to be an Engineer. Read more »

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HIV PJA Joins "Caring Across Generations" Campaign

Submitted by Julie Davids on Wed, 04/18/2012 - 11:09am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

H.I.V. Prevention Justice Alliance Joins Caring Across Generations Coalition

New York, New York - The H.I.V. Prevention Justice Alliance announced today, April 17th, that they will be joining the new movement, Caring Across Generations, a national coalition of organizations including women, disability rights, older adult, worker, community, youth, student and caregiver organizations.  Caring Across Generations is a movement that is changing the way we care in this country, ensuring that direct care workers have the rights and respect they deserve and that those who receive services are free to stay in their homes with respect and dignity.

“The voices, experience and expertise that the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance brings are precisely what we need to strengthen the Caring Across Generations campaign,” said Ai-jen Poo, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and co-director of the Caring Across Generations coalition.  “We have a lot to learn from the years of work to ensure quality services and care for people living with HIV. We are thrilled to welcome the Alliance, and look forward to building the movement we need together.” Read more »

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Bridging the Wage Gap: Don’t Hesitate to Tell the Truth That is in Us

Submitted by Suraj Madoori on Fri, 04/20/2012 - 12:48pm

This article has been cross-posted from the Positive Women's Network (PWN) blog, a partner and ally of HIV PJA. To access the original posting and learn more about PWN, please click here.

By Teresa Sullivan, Philadelphia, PA

“The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”

~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton, U.S. women’s rights activist (1815 – 1902)

I look into my own life and realize that I am still faced with the economic injustice of being over worked and under paid as a women living with HIV This feeling is exacerbated by the slow painful journey to gain a higher position in an organization or any position for equal pay as a woman. Read more »

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Under Surveillance by Medicaid

Submitted by Suraj Madoori on Fri, 04/20/2012 - 12:42pm

This article has been cross-posted from the U.S. Positive Women's Network (U.S. PWN) blog, a partner and ally of HIV PJA. To access the original posting and learn more about U.S. PWN, please click here.

By Kat Griffith in Peoria, IL

I have to go into the Medicaid office every year to get reapproved and reauthorized. I dread it with every fiber of my being. It is a reminder of my place in life. It reminds me that none of my dreams have been achieved and it is a reminder that they most likely never will. Even though I have been HIV-positive for 21 years now, only in the last five years have I had to endure this crushing experience. It always feels the same. But maybe this year is different? I always naively go in hoping for some semblance of empathy or compassion, especially from the worker who handles my “case.” In fact, of all my visits this year’s was the worst. No matter how long I put it off, it doesn’t matter. My life is at stake here, and in this case that is a very literal statement. Read more »

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Help Say "NO!" to Novartis

Submitted by Suraj Madoori on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 2:48pm

February represents a culminating moment in the battle between activists and Swiss-based pharma-giant Novartis, as the drug company targets India's patent law which allows the nation to be a valuable pipeline in accessing high-quality, low-cost, generic medications for those who need it most. Read more »

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