.myFuture Foundation www.myfuturefoundation.my

mypopin:

It’s World Aids Day today. Since I don’t have a red ribbon to wear, I have changed my Twitter photo to wear one. You can get yours too, here. http://bit.ly/5YATny. I am in solidarity w the 33.4 million people living with HIV. In Malaysia since 1986, a total of 84,630 HIV infections have been reported and 11,384 people have died from AIDS as at December 31, 2008 (http://www.mac.org.my/). I’m not going to talk on how HIV/AIDS are transmitted. There are millions of information on the Internet that you can find. If ever at all you’re interested to know. I much rather speak about another ‘disease’ that comes together with it.

Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic over 25 years ago, STIGMA has been a barrier to HIV prevention and care. The effect of stigma on people’s ability to access HIV testing, counseling, diagnosis, care, treatment, and prevention messages varies from setting to setting, but when present, stigma can create an environment where people may avoid HIV-related services (http://www.hivaidsstigma.org/). The general perception towards HIV positive people is that they have been promiscuous or a drug addict. It’s no secret that we live in a very judgmental society and our values are based on moral actions. Since they’re morally ‘wrong’, the HIV is God’s punishment to them? Sad, really. Ask yourself this question : “Would you disown wife/child/mother/father/siblings/friends when you find out they’re HIV positive?” Now, ask yourself this. “Would you like to be disowned if you find out you’re HIV positive?”. Because the TRUTH is, EVERYONE is vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. Although, not as vulnerable as the Influenza A H1N1 virus or Diabetes or even Heart Disease which has far more cases in Malaysia. The modern medical science has an answer today by offering effective treatments for HIV positive people to live longer and healthier.

Although, HIV test is compulsory for Muslim couples prior to their marriage, I strongly feel that this regulation has to be made voluntary. It is a responsibility for each and everyone of us to our spouses, children, family, friends and the society. Get tested and be knowledgeable. For it is the only way for us to prevent this epidemic from spreading even further.

On this day too, I would like to pay tribute to my all-time favourite band, Queen. As we all know, the legendary vocalist, Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in 1991 at the height of his career. Freddie was scheduled to sing at the Opening Ceremony of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 with Montserrat Caballé, a Spanish opera singer. He left a string of legacy and great songs of our time (including those about humanity and politics). His death also marked an important milestone in the fight for AIDS as the remaining members of Queen founded the Mercury Phoenix Trust and organized the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness in 1992 at Wembley Stadium. The concert was reminiscent of Queen’s greatest live performance at the Live Aid Concert at the same venue in 1985.

Excerpt of Freddie’s last audio interview:

“You’re the last person I’m talking to, so you’ll probably get the best interview, darling. I don’t want to change the world. For me, happiness is the most important thing and if I’m happy then it shows in my work. In the end, all the mistakes and all the excuses are down to me. I like to feel that I’m just being my honest self and as far as I’m concerned I just want to pack in as much of life and fun, having a good time as much as I can within in the years I have. Well there you are, you have it on tape. Use it. Well that’s the nearest I’ve come to a lot of passion in terms of interviews. How much more have you got? Come on, I’m getting bored.”

(also included with one of his last written songs, “In My Defence”.

Here are clips of Queen’s performance at Live Aid, dubbed their greatest live performance of all time.

Barcelona by Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe

Innuendo by Queen. Very political lyrics.

Kharis Idris
Director
.myFuture Foundation