The Board and staff of the HIV Legal Network mourn the loss of Deborah Norris, longtime HIV survivor, advocate, activist, friend, and colleague. We are but one of many organizations across Canada and around the world who are in absolute disbelief that Debroah is no longer physically with us, though her spirit can never be dimmed.
Deborah’s list of accomplishments and contributions to the HIV movement are many. She generously shared her diagnosis and her whole self with the world at a time when HIV was much more stigmatized than it remains today. As a person living with HIV, she championed care and compassion for all and understood firsthand the particular impacts of HIV and AIDS on women. Her work and leadership continued in earnest through the decades, and many knew and recognized Deborah as both a mentor and friend. The impact she made will certainly live on in those of us who continue this work in her name, as she would wish.
Working with Deborah was a unique and wonderful gift. Deborah balanced her smarts, and the seriousness of the issues to which she devoted her life, with her own brand of humour and fun. Her smile was so wide and bright that her warmth radiated, even through the many Zoom meetings we all experienced over the last few years. We are so grateful that she allowed so many of us to really know her, because she was an exceptional human. She is already deeply missed but never forgotten.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends, and her beloved peers in this movement. We grieve with you, and promise that Deborah’s work will continue, in her honour.