AIDS Free Pittsburgh and Partners Host 37th Annual World AIDS Day Commemoration
Type: News
Focus Area: HIV/AIDS
The stage set for the 37th Annual World AIDS Day Commemoration at Shepherd Wellness Community.
On December 1, the Pitt Men’s Study, Shepherd Wellness Community, AIDS Free Pittsburgh, and partners hosted a 37th Annual World AIDS Day Commemoration at the Shepherd Wellness Community, offering a space for reflection, celebration, and rejuvenation as the Pittsburgh community gathered to honor those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
The evening featured a “Circle of Love” memorial where attendees participated in a candlelight vigil and wrote names of loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS and placed them on a commemorative display. Following the service, a reception was held in the Father Lynn Edwards Dining Room with refreshments for all attendees.
Highlights of the program included performances by the Pitt Men’s Glee Club and bagpiper Chris Nolin, as well as a special performance by Mara Delcore Bailey, a celebrated advocate and performer. Distinguished speakers included Charles Rinaldo, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Linda Frank, MidAtlantic AIDS Education & Training Center, and advocate Clarisse Jordan.
This annual event is a collaborative effort by organizations including AIDS Free Pittsburgh, Allies for Health and Wellbeing, Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, PERSAD Center, Shepherd Wellness Community, Pitt Men’s Study, and TrueT Pittsburgh.
Partners of AIDS Free Pittsburgh commemorated World AIDS Day with several events, including:
- Dec. 1: A faith-based kickoff vigil led by Min. Terry Fluker at Freedom Corner to engage faith organizations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
- Dec. 4: A MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center webinar, “From Awareness to Action,” featuring testimonials, breakout sessions, and HIV education.
- Dec. 7: The return of the ballroom event The B**** Who Slayed Christmas (TBWSC) at SPIRIT PGH, highlighting Black LGBTQ+ culture, with proceeds benefiting Pittsburgh Ballroom and on-site HIV testing by Central Wellness.