AIDS activists will speak at Vassar, February 13

Shawn Decker, a well-known AIDS activist, and Gwenn Barringer will present "A Boy, a Girl, a Virus, and the Relationship That Happened Anyway" at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, in the Villard Room at Vassar College.

The presentation is sponsored by the Vassar College Office of Health Education. It is free and open to the public.

Decker acquired the HIV virus at age 7 through tainted blood. Expelled from his school when his status became known, he grew up expecting to die at a young age from AIDS-related causes. Decker became a national spokesman for HIV-infected youth and met Barringer through their AIDS activist work. The two fell in love, and they have now focused their activism on the question of relationships with people who are HIV positive. As HIV becomes a more chronic problem in society, students are becoming desensitized to the issues surrounding it, so Decker and Barringer challenge students to confront their images of people infected and affected by HIV.

For additional information, call the Office of Health Education at (845) 437-7769. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings at (845) 437-5370 as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Wednesday, February 13th, 2002.