Although World Aids Day was commemorated on Dec. 1st the White House Proclamation bears repeating, “On World AIDS Day, we recommit to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States and around the world and rededicate ourselves to fighting the discrimination that too often keeps people with HIV from getting the services they need and living the full lives they deserve.”
World Aids Day reminds us of the suffering, stigma, and resilience of the courageous people living with a positive diagnosis and their community of caregivers, families, and friends who support them. The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief highlights President Joe Biden’s ongoing commitment to providing both private and public resources to end the HIV/AIDS global pandemic.
Support for the HIV/AIDS community is ongoing. The Memorial AIDS Quilt was conceived in November of 1985 by long-time human rights activist, author, and lecturer Cleve Jones. Jones was largely impacted by both the 1978 assassinations of gay San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone and the loss of his friend Marvin Feldman. Since its inception, the quilt has been displayed interactively and globally. It has been featured in countless tours and national displays. Brandon Cox Sanford uses laughter to bring understanding about AIDS. Lastly, programs like PAWS/LA's P.A.D. assist low-income animal individuals living with HIV/AIDS to enrich their quality of life by ensuring the healing benefits of animal companionship. Support their efforts by giving today!