By Joanie Juster–
I had planned to write a simple column about World AIDS Day, and let you know about the local activities planned for its annual commemoration.
Then the election happened, and like everything else in our lives, World AIDS Day took on a whole new level of significance.
World AIDS Day was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988 to raise awareness about the status of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, commemorate those who have died, and demonstrate international solidarity toward prevention, treatment, and care. WHO’s theme for World AIDS Day 2024 calls upon global leaders and citizens to fight for the right of people everywhere to equal access to health care, and to challenge the inequities that continue to inhibit our efforts to end AIDS.
They sound like admirable goals, right?
The President-elect, however, is no fan of WHO—or science-based public health policy in general, or collaboration with global public health experts. Under his leadership, the U.S. severed its relationship with WHO, and also withdrew from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). In 2021, President Biden on his first day in office restored ties with WHO. That is expected to reverse again in 2025, with the anticipated withdrawal from WHO poised to weaken once more our country’s role as a leader in global health.
There is also concern over PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). Despite it being one of the most successful public health programs of all time—it has saved millions of lives and played a significant role in U.S. aid—the program has fallen prey to partisan politics in our Republican-dominated Congress. Like many such programs, it requires periodic review and approval for renewal.
During this year’s Congressional budget wars, PEPFAR was almost defunded, but was given a temporary reprieve in the form of short-term reauthorization through March 25, 2025. After that, it is anybody’s guess what will happen to this program that funds programs for vaccines, HIV/AIDS care, and reproductive health. According to Thomas Bollyky, Inaugural Bloomberg Chair in Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations, “We are at an inflection moment.” He explained, “The bipartisan consensus that existed around global public health for two decades is gone.”
Okay, that is bad. But wait, wait … there’s more! The President-elect’s choices for cabinet posts and advisors—a mind-boggling Who’s Who of the most unqualified, dangerously uninformed, partisan hacks ever assembled—features the most wtf choice of all in Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as secretary of Health and Human Services. Yes, the same Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who doesn’t believe AIDS is caused by the HIV virus. He cannot wait to drastically reshape health and healthcare policy in the U.S. If he does, I guarantee you there will be consequences that will be felt at every level of healthcare in this country and around the world. And it won’t be pretty.
This is the emerging backdrop to this year’s World AIDS Day commemorations, where you can take part in remembering those we have lost, learn about progress in ongoing efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, show support for those living with HIV/AIDS, and find inspiration for future action.
National AIDS Memorial: Light in the Grove
National AIDS Memorial’s annual gala is set in the midst of the magically illuminated AIDS Memorial Grove on the evening of November 30, 2024. Sister Roma will serve as emcee, and Dan Bernal will receive the Lifetime of Commitment award for his decades of service. Tickets:
https://tinyurl.com/NAMLIG24
World AIDS Day National Observance
The National AIDS Memorial Grove is the only federally designated memorial for lives touched by AIDS. Every year the Grove hosts a public observance on World AIDS Day to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS, educate and empower the next generation of leaders and activists, and recommit to ending the barriers to ending the ongoing epidemic. It is a powerful day of healing and support for our community.
Among those being honored at the event will be Vince Crisostomo, who has been a leading HIV/AIDS activist for over 30 years, working on grassroots, regional, national, and international levels. He is currently Director of Aging Services at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and he does groundbreaking work for those aging with HIV.
This event is from 11:30 am–1:30 pm. It is free and open to all, but RSVPs are recommended for updates and more details.
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/WADNAM24
Project INSCRIBE
Each year on World AIDS Day activist George Kelly puts out buckets of chalk on the sidewalks of Castro Street and encourages people to honor those who have died of AIDS by inscribing their names on the sidewalk. 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of this colorful and moving celebration of life, love, and memories that pays tribute to the more than 25,000 San Franciscans who succumbed to the disease, including more than 15,000 who called the Castro home. Inscribe is an all-day free public event, starting at 18th & Castro at 9 am on December 1, with chalk placed along the 400 and 500 blocks of Castro Street until 9 pm. There will be a short program at 18th & Castro at 2 pm.
A free shuttle will be provided every 30 minutes between the Castro (northeast corner of Market and Castro) to the AIDS Memorial Grove from 10 am to 3 pm. More info: https://tinyurl.com/Inscribe2024
Observance at GLIDE Memorial Church
Since World AIDS Day falls on a Sunday this year, many churches will be incorporating the event into their services for the day. One that will be very special will be at GLIDE Memorial Church, thanks to its congregation’s AIDS activism throughout the years. Minister of Celebration Marvin K. White will be leading the celebrations at 9 and 11 am. They can be attended in person at 33 Ellis Street, or by streaming live on Facebook and YouTube. For more info and details: https://tinyurl.com/WADGlide24
Shanti’s Intimate Gathering with Stories, Ritual & Friends
All are welcome to join Shanti’s Honoring Our Experience program on World AIDS Day for an intimate gathering from 4:30–6:30 pm at Manny’s, 16th Street and Valencia. The gathering will be led by facilitator and HIV long-time survivor Gregg Cassin. Attendees are invited to honor World AIDS Day by sharing stories and remembering loved ones. Along with music, poems, and food, there will be ample support and love. https://tinyurl.com/WADHOE24
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
World AIDS Day – In Case You Missed It
Published on November 21, 2024
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