Dear Ms Xanthopoulo,

I was very disappointed and disheartened to read that the Breast Cancer Society of Canada refused a donation from the Exotic Dancers for Cancer. I cannot imagine why an organization such as yours would ever further stigmatize a group of women who face daily stigma and discrimination from our society.

I am outraged as a general citizen, as a worker in public health and most importantly, as a woman. Aren't we supposed to be working to change society's stereotypes and views about the sex trade and exotic dancing? Exotic Dancers for Cancer formed in memory of a woman who died of breast cancer, and now they are being denied the opportunity to support that cause. That is deplorable and completely unacceptable.

If you can explain to me the justification for a decision that to me screams of judgement and discrimination, I welcome your response.

Jeannine McNeil
Halifax, NS

p.s. I am sending a copy of this letter to all my friends, colleagues and will take any and every opportunity to post it on public blogs.