AIDS Calgary is in the process of taking a crucial step towards showing its patrons and partners what services they provide and how they evolved since their inception in 1983.  By rebranding themselves in time for their estimated rebrand launch at the AGM in June, AIDS Calgary is hoping that the name will reflect the current status of its services and to appeal to everyone connected to them.

On their website they state, "We can’t ignore the fact that HIV/AIDS exists, and that there is still no cure for this disease. But there are many things we can do to prevent its spread and make life better for those who are infected and affected. At AIDS Calgary we promote the healthy choices people can make to reduce their risk of getting or spreading HIV/AIDS. We provide information and resources on practicing safer sex, wearing condoms and avoiding behaviors or situations that could put you at risk. We also work to reduce the harmful effects of HIV and AIDS by providing programs and services that help people living with HIV/AIDS make healthy choices and enjoy a better quality of life. We act as their advocates in promoting awareness of HIV issues and battling misunderstandings and prejudice. Through partnerships with others in the community, we strive to develop a caring and compassionate society."

AIDS Calgary has been the leader in advocacy, education, and support to those living with HIV and AIDS in the Calgary region. With this responsibility they have also taken on the responsibility of supporting all individuals involved with people with AIDS/HIV and also have evolved to include support for individuals facing all sorts of issues related to both physical and mental health.

Roseline Carter, Team Leader of Prevention and Engagement took some time to discuss the rebranding with GayCalgary Magazine. "Our geographical location has expanded and the name AIDS Calgary no longer fits, first and foremost." The area represented by the organization now includes Bow Valley and Medicine Hat.

"AIDS Calgary was incepted in 1983, and the soul focus was on AIDS and HIV as it was such a prevalent issue at the time. As time went on, and the disease evolved into one of the many components that the organization was beginning to deal with," states Carter. "We are focusing on all of our client’s issues, and what they are facing."

Not only are people with HIV/AIDS dealing every day with medication and other factors, they are also dealing with many stigmas in the public sphere related to religion, culture, income, sexual orientation, etc. There is also a high risk of abuse. This leads to a slower reception of medical help, according to the AIDS Calgary website.

AIDS Calgary has expanded to include both the Medicine Hat and Bow Valley areas, as well as maintaining other branches such as SHIFT (for sex trade workers), Calgary Cares Centre, Outreach Programs such as HEAT, and the African Communities Project.

The Medicine Hat Cares Centre, like that of Calgary Cares, is a centre for all sorts of needs. There is a Drop-In Centre, Counselling Centre, a Needle Exchange program as well as Outreach and referrals and advocacy. The Bow Valley Cares Centre, located in Banff, offers prevention information and referrals, free condoms for men and women, workshops and outreach.

AIDS Calgary is looking for some help in its rebranding process and would love to hear from clients, partners, and community partners about their thoughts on the transition. There is currently a survey on the AIDS Calgary website that asks the public questions that will be useful to the organization. The survey runs until the end of February, and serves an integral role in AIDS Calgary’s mandate.

"We would like to take a look at the third-party run survey to guide our decision making process and enhance our visibility," says Carter. "We will use this information and the focus groups that we are planning to create to determine where we need to be."

AIDS Calgary has another first coming up in February, hosting its first annual Mardi Gras event named Le Carnaval Rouge, on February 25th at the Metropolitan Centre in Downtown Calgary. "Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness of our organization and issues," says Carter. "We would also like you to have fun."

The evening has a ton of things to make it a success. There will be musical talent from well known Canadian Saxophonist Pat Belliveau as he gives you a taste of the New Orleans musicality while you eat some amazing Cajun food.

In the Carnaval spirit, there will be a place for you to hear your fortune. Erin Taylor will amaze you with her tarot card readings and her fortune telling.

And, nothing says Mardi Gras like a little fire breathing and fire eating, as well as some scandalous dancing and contortionism. Arcfire Entertainment, a troupe of professional fire and circus performers, will not disappoint as they tempt fate in order to please a crowd.

Topping off the evening is the talent of The Rhinestone Affair and Visa Loo. The Rhinestone Affair, a Calgary Burlesque troupe is bound to offer a little va-va-voom to your evening. Visha Loo...well if you have never seen her, you must. She is an entertainer like none other. She will fascinate you with her contortionism, fetish model prowess, and performance.