Call for Activists

[JR Gabbard]

Hi everyone,

Today, I'm announcing the soft launch of www.AIDSLawProject.net (ALP.net for short).

This is the project I've been working on for the past 6 months.  It is a non-profit corporation, to serve the HIV+ community, to educated HIV+ people about legal rights and duties, and to support activists who want to engage in reform of HIV-targeted laws.  The scope is global (because the virus knows no borders).

The first initiative is "It's a virus, not a crime," which was inspired by one of the presentations at the Mexico City conference (day 5, if you're curious).  Basically, we will be learning about different law-related approaches to preventing HIV transmission, some of which work, and some that don't, and why (or why not).  We will also work out strategies to change the laws that don't work, either in your own country or as part of the global community (bad laws affect us all).  We will accomplish this via webinars, live chats, download materials, and whatever else works. 

Later, I'll be offering classes on HIV-related travel and immigration restrictions, and US public benefits, and anything else people want to learn about.

This is a soft launch because I still need to test for bugs and smooth out the presentation (I have branding issues).  But I would like to get community feedback as I move forward.

So right now I'd like to invite everyone to register on the front-end, which will put you on my mailing list, so I can keep you updated on progress.

I will also be hosting blogs for anyone who wants one.  I'm using WordPress Multi-User, so here are very few limits to the number of bloggers the site can handle.  So anyone who would like to blog on the site, please let me know (email jrg[at]aidslawproject[dot]net - you get the idea, right?) and I will get you set up.  I'm not opening up blog registration to the general public (HIV+) until the end of September, but I need some bloggers earlier to help me shake down the software.  I'm more interested in enthusiasm than in writing skill (although both would be nice).

And finally, since ALP.net is a non-profit corporation, it will need a board of directors.  I will recruit board members from among the registered community, so please let me know if you night be interested in being one.

Thanks.

JR Gabbard, Esq.

[Peter Staley]

Congrats, JR, on the soft launch.  What a great project!

The world sorely needs more AIDS activists.  Bravo to you for taking this on.

[JR Gabbard]

Congrats, JR, on the soft launch.  What a great project!

The world sorely needs more AIDS activists.  Bravo to you for taking this on.

Thanks, brother.

Hopefully we can do some good!

[Jody]

JR...I think your motto "It's a virus, not a crime" is terrific and really makes a very solid point that many folks world-wide need to hear....Great idea and I think it can be very effective and powerful.  Keep us posted.

Jody

[JR Gabbard]

Hi Jody,

Thanks!  BTW, we can do Housing Rights too....

[guydude]

Hi Jody,

Thanks!  BTW, we can do Housing Rights too....

How about immigration?  This is a (perhaps) quickly-evolving area, with the recent repeal of the statutory ban on travel and immigration into the U.S. by HIV+ people, and the big question marks that still exist about the remaining REGULATORY ban. 

A lawyer like you, in your location, might have a lot to contribute in this area. 

[JR Gabbard]

How about immigration?  This is a (perhaps) quickly-evolving area, with the recent repeal of the statutory ban on travel and immigration into the U.S. by HIV+ people, and the big question marks that still exist about the remaining REGULATORY ban. 

A lawyer like you, in your location, might have a lot to contribute in this area. 

Immigration too.

I break the topics down like this: 

1.  Privacy and Confidentiality:  what are privacy rights, to whom do you have to disclose your status, when can you be compelled to take an HIV test, what information gets reported and by whom.....

2.  Employment and Discrimination:  what is, and what is not discrimination in the workplace or elsewhere, how to complain about discrimination....

3.  Insurance and Public Benefits:  why do I need to think about insurance, which insurance products do what, what public benefits are available, how do I access them.....

4.  Housing, Creditor and Family Law:  what is HOPWA, and how do I get it, what is housing discrimination and what do I do about it, how do I get these creditors off my back, how can I provide for my family if I get sick.....

5.  Immigration and Criminal:  in the context of travelling--interstate and international, where is HIV status a problem for entry into a country, what are the other restrictions on travel, what particular acts (sexual or otherwise) will get you into trouble and where....

These topics will each get a set of wiki pages with talk pages where anyone can post questions, experiences and observations. 

[MarcoPoz]

OUT-FREAKING-STANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pozattitude]

Hey Jr,

Great seeing you the other day.. and great project!

[Figaro]

Given that may state, and municipal laws may be promoting HIV, I think this is a great idea that need to be supported.  Because most of this issues are legal.


There got to be quite a bit of attorneys with HIV/AIDS nation and worldwide and we can not let this happen any more.

The government is becoming apathetic.

HOW ABOUT STATE AND LOCAL LAWS THAT ARE KEEPING ORGANIZATION FROM STARTING SYRINGE PROGRAMS??  WE KNOW IT WORKS A LOT BETTER THAN WE EXPECTED THEM TO WORKAND THE GOVERMENT IS KEEPING THIER HANDS CROSS.  OUTRAGE.  Don't be part of the curtain of silence nor the conpiracy of censorship.  It is not good for any of us.

WE ARE EVEN LEARNING THAT SOME PARTICIPANTS ARE ASKING FOR DRUG TREATMENT METHADONE AND SUBOXONE BEING THE MOST REQUESTED.

[dplush]

this is great news. what a wonderful idea!

[pozattitude]

I just want to add that I have JR's site on my bookmarks and he has done an increadible job, lot's of info and resourses.
Way to to JR...be proud of what you've done!!!

[knoxvillecwby]

Great Idea and the website is fantastic. I was more than happy to register.