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Bev

I’ve been working in sexual health for probably more than twenty years – wearing various hats.

I initially set up a group called Positive Women, which is a support group for HIV positive women.  I myself was diagnosed in 1984.  At that time it was regarded as a bit of a death sentence, which I refused to accept.  I therefore felt it was important both for me and other women to get support.

I’m driven by a passion for the rights of positive women, and also for the rights of people’s sexual health and reproductive rights.

I am currently the Indigenous Program Manager at Marie Stopes International Australia, with interesting projects.

At present I am rolling out the first ever indigenous brand of condoms called Snake Condoms.  It involves at first, working with indigenous communities throughout Australia to see if they want to take on Snake Condoms into their communities.

I feel energised by the work I do, and you can imagine also the fun we have with lovely innuendos about Snake – a name like that.

Offering support to people who for the most part are vulnerable I think, is very important.

You know, I could easily have curled up my toes and died some twenty years ago, but I have always been quite visionary in imagining a world where everyone has equal value and respect.

I work on that principle.