Remembering Those Lost: New York City Marks World AIDS Day
New York City will commemorate World AIDS Day with a multifaceted series of events honoring those lost to the epidemic and reaffirming the fight for its end. From poignant film screenings and art exhibitions to candlelight vigils and community gatherings, the city offers diverse ways to engage with this important occasion.
Saturday, November 30:
The events begin with an evening of remembrance hosted by Our Youth – NYC. This event, taking place from 8 to 10 pm at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (81 Christopher St., between Seventh Ave. & Bleecker St.), invites attendees to remember those lost to AIDS and to continue the fight against HIV. Call 212-242-5737 for more information.
Sunday, December 1:
The heart of the commemoration occurs on World AIDS Day itself, starting with a massive rally in Times Square at 2 pm. Joining forces are a powerful coalition of HIV advocacy organizations, including Housing Works, ACRIA, ACT UP-NY, GMHC, Treatment Action Group, American Run to End AIDS (AREA), Bailey House, Harlem United, and many more.
Speakers including Charles King of Housing Works, Janet Weinberg of GMHC, and Dan Teitz of ACRIA will address the urgency of ending AIDS as an epidemic in New York State. “Every day, 11 New Yorkers are diagnosed with HIV and nearly five New Yorkers with AIDS die,” the organizers emphasize.
The day continues with a special screening of the award-winning documentary "How to Survive a Plague" at the LGBT Community Center (208 W. 13th St) from 2 to 5 pm. Psychologists Scott Kramer and Damon Jacobs present this powerful film about the beginning of the AIDS crisis, the formation of ACT UP, and the struggle for medications and services for people living with HIV. As described by Gay City News’ Paul Schindler, “At the movie’s conclusion, when we finally meet all of the activists as they are today, we can see that the aching grief over all who were lost before we got lucky is, as France put it, ‘not even that far from the surface.’” A discussion will follow the screening.
Adding a cultural dimension to the day, Visual AIDS presents "Day With(OUT) ART 2013.”
Starting at 1 pm at Artists Space (55 Walker St., between Broadway & Church St.), a public forum explores individual stories as a way to understand and respond to the ongoing HIV crisis.
At 3 pm, a walk led by writer and curator Alex Fialho begins at Artists Space and weaves through SoHo and the West Village, retracing the footsteps of the AIDS crisis. Stops include the last residences of Joe Brainard, Keith Haring, and Cookie Mueller, as well as sites of historical importance like the former location of the New Museum and the Christopher Street Pier.
The walk culminates at the Rusty Knot (425 West St. at W. 11th St.) where “Day With(OUT) ART” concludes with a celebratory dance party from 4 to 6 pm. DJs Amber Valentine and others will spin house and disco sets.
Monday, December 2:
On December 2, a "Day of Reflection" will take place at First Corinthian Baptist Church (1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. at W. 154th St.) from 3 to 5 pm. This event brings together faith leaders, elected officials, AIDS services groups, advocates, and community members to commemorate the day with music, performances, education, prayer, and action.
Continuing the commemoration, the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display at the City College of New York (City College’s main campus at 160 Convent Ave. at W. 137th St) for multiple days from December 2 to December 6. This stunning tapestry, weighing 54 tons, is a testament to the countless lives lost to AIDS.
Wednesday, December 4:
The Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) will screen "The Universe of Keith Haring," a documentary honoring the life and legacy of the influential artist who tragically succumbed to AIDS.
This heartfelt tribute will take place at 446 W. 33rd St, 6th floor from 6 to 8 pm.
In addition to these events, the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center in Uptown Kingston will hold a Candlelight Walk to commemorate World AIDS Day. The walk begins at 6:15 pm at the corner of Wall and John Streets and proceeds to the Old Dutch Church at 272 Wall St.
HIV testing and safety counseling will be available from 3 to 5 pm at the LGBTQ Center’s headquarters (300 Wall St). Open house access to panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt will also follow.
Details on initial events found above can be found on Gay City News’ website at [link provided in article].
