Since 1988, Dec. 1 has been honored as World AIDS Day, a global commemoration of the more than 35 million people who have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses over the past 40 years and the estimated 38 million people currently living with the virus.
While the Trump administration will not formally commemorate World AIDS Day this year, local activists across the country, including in Atlanta, are still honoring the day. With Georgia ranking number one in the country for new HIV cases, Atlanta HIV/AIDS activists are remembering the people we’ve lost and highlighting the work being done to end new HIV cases by 2030.
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World AIDS Day Events
Positive Runway World AIDS Day Gala
Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
Lips Atlanta
In honor of World AIDS Day, this event will unite community leaders, advocates, artists, and allies for an evening of style and purpose. The event will feature the world-famous Wilbourne Sisters Deigns, Alex Holliman, House of Chitenge, Click Models, and Lips Atlanta Entertainers and will benefit The House of Globalizations to support orphanages in Zambia caring for children affected by abuse, trafficking, and violence. Buy your tickets here.
“Chocolate Babies” screening
Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
Midtown Art Cinema
Out On Film and Gilead present Stephen Winter’s “Chocolate Babies,” a film telling the story of an underground band of HIV-positive, urban, and queer activists of color making headline in New York. Following the film will be a discussion about HIV/AIDS in the media with Craig Washington, Mark King, Tori Cooper, and Tony Bryce, and a reception at Apres Diem at 9 p.m. Learn more and RSVP here.
World AIDS Day Webinar
Dec. 5, 10 a.m.
Virtual
This Zoom discussion will reinforce the Pan American Health Organization’s call to achieve zero HIV-related deaths by 2030 by highlighting national leadership, achievements, progress, and challenges in today’s fight against HIV. Register here.
AIDS Memorial Quilt: Take the Rights Path
Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Decatur Library
HIV/AIDS activists Season Barnette-Williams, Justice Puryear, Masonia Traylor, Ashley Wilson, and Phyllis Malone will discuss HIV/AIDS advocacy and inequities in ending the HIV epidemic in the Decatur Library’s Fourth Floor Gallery. The Gallery will also feature panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, on display from Dec. 5 through Jan. 10. RSVP here.
Together We Rise
Dec. 6, 4 p.m.
The Warehouse
AID Atlanta, AHF, and Positive Impact Health Center present this community-based World AIDS Day Commemoration to honor those we have lost and celebrate those who are thriving while living with HIV. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and immersive activities followed by dinner and a program of presentations, awards, and commemoration. RSVP here.