AIDS @ 30

Hard to imagine that HIV /AIDS is turning 30. Do you remember where you were when you first heard about HIV?  For some, word came by way of news reports of a Hollywood heartthrob’s travels to Paris, some sat with their own loved one in an emergency room with flu-like symptoms, and some of us met our first HIV positive person as he or she came into our school to talk about HIV prevention.

From the first lady of talk show hosts, Ms. Oprah, to our very own Webb-series, In the Moment (ITM), today more than ever we need to have conversations about HIV/AIDS. ITM helps us to do just that- talk about AIDS, according to Dave Obrien, ITM Director, “ITM is about gay men living in WeHo and you can’t have a story about Gay men in West Hollywood without talking about HIV prevention.”  

December 1st the world looks at AIDS. National newscasts will open with montages of celebrities and sports figures who have lost their lives to AIDS. AIDS service providers will hold candlelight vigils to commemorate the memories of family members, friends, and colleagues who are no longer with us. We can all take time to remember.

This December 1st, the L.A. Gay  & Lesbian Center looks at 30 years of AIDS while it celebrates the big 40- 40 years of service to the community. To commemorate the 30 year fight, the Center joins the City of West Hollywood on Thursday morning starting at 8:30a.m.  for their annual Paul Stark Warrior Award Ceremony. This year, our very own Craig Lawver, Positive Images Outreach Specialist, will be acknowledged for his work in the HIV prevention field. Our Advocates & Gochis Galleries will go dark to honor those lost to HIV/AIDS.

On Friday, December 2nd, the Center joins AIDS Research Alliance to screen, HIV @30- a documentary that examines the history of HIV/AIDS . In addition, on Saturday, December 3rd, the Center will look at HIV/AIDS through art installation, music, performance, and spoken word at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza. These events are free to the community and light refreshments will be served. Come join us for memories, advocacy, and the sharing of hope as we commemorate the 30 year fight against HIV/AIDS.