In 1983 as HIV and AIDS was reaching epidemic proportions in North America, four members of Calgary’s gay community were sitting around a kitchen table talking, and out of that conversation AIDS Calgary was born.

"They felt something needed to be done about it." Garth Goertz, who is presently the head of the organization, told GayCalgary.com "It started within the gay community at a grassroots level and went from there."

It has become a vital part of not just the gay community but also the entire city. Statistics show rising rates in a number of communities, and despite the misconception that AIDS is a "Gay Disease," the organization is there for everyone affected.

"It’s interesting I think the gay community is probably the most invested into HIV and AIDS education and support. This stems from the fact that since the 80’s the gay community was first hit by the epidemic in North America. They continue to support our organization and be an important part of moving things forward in the HIV/AIDS movement. We have to recognize and, for lack of a better word, celebrate the fact that AIDS Calgary stemmed from the Gay community’s support. Where it becomes difficult is that it is not a gay disease. We have to deal with the stigma and the discrimination against the gay community and work with the public to dispel that "gay disease" myth. As infection rates increases in other groups like youth, Aboriginals, injection drug users and women our programs target those populations as well. I hope that the community doesn’t think that we are taking away from them."

The groups are funded through two major activities, the annual "Calgary Cares" gala event and the AIDS walk, as well as third party donations during the year. In 2003, the Calgary Cares event raised $170,000, and Goertz estimates that the total will be similar this year. Combined with the AIDS walk and the other donations, 2003 saw more than $400,000 raised. The money goes directly back into the community.

"All funds raised go to AIDS Calgary. Like with any special events, there is overhead cost of course, but all other proceeds go there. The programs include education and support, our outreach programs. We have a number of different outreach programs that target different groups. For example there is one for men who have sex with men, which is in partnership with the GLCSA, and there is the youth exchange program and an Aboriginal outreach. It also supports our in-house support programs for people who are living with HIV by offering referrals, counseling and financial assistance. We are not an institution that does research, so the money goes to our programs and the work we do in Calgary."

To some there is the conception that the Jack Singer event, which started 13 years ago, is "A giant drag show." Goertz laughed and explained it is so much more then that.

"I wouldn’t call it that, as much as the drag community is a part of it. The show itself is a combination of fashion and theatre. As well we have a silent auction and other special events involved."

It is a huge endeavor to put on the annual event requiring hours of volunteer work both behind the scenes and in front of an audience.

"We are very appreciative of our over 400 volunteers because they are a huge part of our success. Obviously the work we do within the agency itself with our programs requires us to hire an events group that puts it together and have the skills in that area to put together something of that magnitude. They coordinate everyone for that show, the people on stage, backstage, front of house, meet and greet. There is so much organization, and I don’t think that people realize what goes into putting together such a big fundraiser. We try to reduce the cost as much as possible because we do want the funds to the programs. We solicit donations of auction items and alcohol and such."

Goertz is appreciative of the corporate sponsors who help as well as the variety of businesses that donate items for the silent auction. Without their support the event would not have been as successful, and the event is vital to keeping AIDS Calgary afloat and out there educating the public.

"Unfortunately in terms of HIV and AIDS there is no cure, it is still a crises. We need to rally together as a community around those issues from a more medical perspective. It is a large issue that doesn’t just affect us, but needs our support. The gay community in North America has been so devastated and continues to be so. My vision would be that with all issues involving sexual health and human rights, that we bond together and address those issues. That means all facets of the gay community coming together and speaking as one voice."

In the meantime, AIDS Calgary will continue to work hard at getting its message heard. Some have become complacent about the disease, but it is still out there affecting thousands of people across Canada and millions worldwide.

"Within the gay community, there is this idea that it is no longer as much of an issue. When people have been beaten over the head with the idea of using condoms and safer sex they become numbed to it, so we need to create new ways of getting that message across. The campaign we did last year was controversial and made people notice that there are still risks out there and that people are actively involved in having unprotected sex. So the question becomes what are we going to do to reduce the harm to people and get that message across."

It’s a bittersweet time for the group. Many people have walked through their doors that sadly are no longer with us, and although drugs and treatments now allow people with AIDS to live longer and fuller lives, it is still important to try and find a cure and support those afflicted.

"We will continue to fight the fight against HIV and AIDS. Having just wrapped up the 20 year anniversary it’s not only a time to be reflecting on those we have loved and lost, but also an opportunity to be looking at our commitment and support to the communities and coming up with new and inventive ways of providing messages and raising awareness. With new treatments available allowing people to live longer lives, people have to remember that there is no cure, and infection rates are rising across the board. It is alarming that an estimated 5,000 Canadians were infected in 2003. The number of Canadians living with it is 56,000, and that is an increase of 44% since 1996. It’s not that it has plateaued. Rates are increasing which means there is a greater need for the support."

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Aids Calgary | AIDS/HIV | Community |