Deborah Norris
Deborah Norris honoured with award for leadership in social justice for the HIV/AIDS community
Deborah Norris is being recognized with a Casey Award for leadership in social justice for the HIV/AIDS community. Deborah is an Edmontonian known as a stalwart volunteer, peer, advocate, and leader in the HIV community. With more than three decades of service and advocacy, she has been a fixture in local, national, and international HIV community organizations.
After her HIV diagnosis in 1991, Deborah quickly pivoted into advocacy work. The following year, despite having to navigate the difficult and complex emotions that come with being newly diagnosed with HIV, she publicly announced her positive status. Deborah channeled her energy for a new purpose: advocating for better HIV health care and reducing the public’s stigma of people living with HIV.
She leveraged her lived experiences and bachelor’s degree in psychology in her many roles over the following years, including frontline support worker, outreach worker, peer, and researcher for many HIV-related projects including the Alberta HIV Stigma Index project and the Resiliency in LGBTQ2S+ Seniors project. She is also a contributor, reviewer, and advisory committee member for the Providing Services to Older Adults Living with HIV Online project.
Deborah followed her solo endeavours by leading many group organizations related to HIV. Locally, she was a founding chair of the Alberta Society of Positive Women, chairperson of HIV Edmonton, and is a caucus member and former chair of the United Voices of HIV Alberta. Nationally, she is co-chair of the independent Canadian Positive People Network and director of the western region for CATIE.
Deborah is especially passionate about the well-being of sexually exploited youth and women living with HIV. Her work identifies the unique experiences of women with HIV, and how intersectionalities of race and gender expression further contribute to the health disparities they face. Deborah offers a powerful voice in furthering progression and representation for the greater HIV community.
Her commitment to advocacy for the HIV/AIDS community has made waves across the country. During a time where she initially considered her diagnosis to be a death sentence, Deborah demonstrated immense courage to pursue a career guided by empathy and care. Casey House extends warm congratulations to Deborah Norris on achieving this recognition.