2021 marks 40 years since AIDS was discovered in 1981. “Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome” (or commonly known as AIDS) is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (or commonly known as HIV). We dedicate every December 1 to raising awareness of the global AIDS pandemic and commemorating those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS.
Through January 1, the Arden Fair Mall will display youth AIDS quilts that commemorate all the youth we’ve lost to the AIDS epidemic.
On this past World AIDS Day, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center held a (pre)World AIDS Day showcase on Tuesday, November 30, where we had the original Sacramento World AIDS Day quilts on full display.
We also heard from a panel comprised of members of our Strength In Numbers HIV Support Group. (SIN) Sacramento provides a safe, welcoming forum for people living with HIV/AIDS to come together for a sense of camaraderie, mutual strength, and support. Support members can range from newly diagnosed to people who have been living with HIV/AIDS for years. SIN meets every Saturday from 6 – 7:30 P.M. via Zoom private invite. For an invite, please contact Arturo at acjackson3@comcast.net.)
On World AIDS Day, we joined community at McKinley Park’s Clunie Center for the “Rock The Ribbon” event, a World AIDS Day celebration of the lives we’ve lost and a space to raise awareness of the AIDS/HIV epidemic that continues to affect communities globally. We heard stories from survivors and elected officials, enjoyed performances, and held a candlelight vigil for the loved ones we’ve lost.
“Rock the Ribbon” was made possible in partnership with Capital City AIDS Fund, Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministries, Golden Rule Services, Harm Reduction Services, One Community Health, Sacramento County Sexual Health Promotional Unit, Sacramento LGBT Community Center, Sacramento HIV Planning Council, Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation, Sunburst Projects, and Volunteers of America, and is sponsored by Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Janssen Infectious Diseases & Vaccines.
