via Visual AIDS >blog:
The following announcement was made by IML officials to all their Leather Market participants:
Dear Vendors,
On
behalf of International Mr. Leather, Inc., I would like to thank you
for your past support and in particular for your participation as a
vendor in our annual Leather Market. We are writing you today to
inform you of a policy change affecting next year (2010) and all future
markets.
Though we are now three decades into the HIV/AIDS
epidemic, no cure has been found. The CDC and local health officials
inform us that new infections are on the rise. And, while we have had
some success developing medications that might make infection more
manageable, that accomplishment comes at a price. Not having
experienced the deaths - the loss of loved ones -- which preceded these
medications, we have an entire generation who may not fully appreciate
or comprehend the severity of the situation.
Too many in our
community believe HIV/AIDS is curable or manageable. Too few
understand that HIV/AIDS infections dominate life. We believe that it
is our duty to inform and educate. Several years ago when “Meth” was
the scourge of our community, IML drew a line in the sand and raised
awareness and used all our influence to try and stop this addictive
madness. As is the case with HIV/AIDS, we believe it is our further
obligation to do everything in our power to prevent future infections.
To
that end, after considerable discussion, the Executive Committee of
International Mr. Leather has decided that it will no longer allow
participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes
barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or
advocate barebacking. This restriction will also apply to distribution
of gifts, post cards or any other information via our facilities.
This policy takes effect immediately.
Sincerely,
Chuck Renslow, President
International Mr. Leather
