Compiled by Marene Gustin
In this era of drugs and treatment, it may be hard for younger LGBT folks to remember when HIV/AIDS was a death sentence and the disease was a worldwide pandemic.
But it’s still a serious threat around the world, which is why it’s important to honor World AIDS Day this December 1. The first global-health day was held in 1988, but the day is just as important in 2015 as it was then. If you want to know why it is more relevant than ever and what you can do to help, check out worldaidsday.org.
In Houston, there are several events you can attend while wearing your red ribbon.
World AIDS Day Luncheon
AIDS Foundation Houston hosts the annual luncheon, held this year at the Post Oak Hilton. There is a champagne reception on December 1 at 11 a.m., and the luncheon starts at noon. The keynote speaker will be Pam Grier (one of the stars of The L Word), who has been a spokeswoman for Dining Out for Life for the last five years. See aidshelp.org for tickets.
Legacy Community Health
Legacy offers several observances for World AIDS Day this year, including the Red Ribbon Light Display at Legacy Montrose from November 28 through December 1. You can see this beautiful exhibit at the Montrose Legacy location. The community health center also offers free HIV testing on the following days:
• November 31
11 a.m.–6 p.m. at Legacy Montrose
• December 1
11 a.m.–6 p.m. at Legacy Montrose and 5–9 p.m. at Eagle Houston
• December 2
11 a.m.–6 p.m. at Legacy Montrose and 4–8 p.m. at Walgreens, 3317 Montrose Blvd.
On December 1, they co-host the World AIDS Day Candlelight Observance with songs performed by the kids from TUTS’ Rent along the walk. The event starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. at Legacy Montrose, co-sponsored by The Montrose Center. You can find out more at legacycommunityhealth.org.
The Montrose Center
After the walk, co-sponsor The Montrose Center will show a screening of the film How to Survive a Plague in room 106 at the center starting at 7:30 p.m. This Oscar-nominated documentary chronicles the early days of the disease in America.
For more information on World AIDS Day, log on to worldaidsday.org.
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