Commemorating World AIDS Day 2024 in Denver

Since 1988, people have gathered together for World AIDS Day on December 1 to commemorate those living with HIV and remember those who have died of AIDS. World AIDS Day is an international holiday where people around the globe gather to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic and the lives lost.

If you are in Denver this year and looking for somewhere to observe World AIDS Day, Park Hill United Methodist Church is hosting an event on December 1 at 6 p.m. This year’s inclusive program includes a memorial candlelight walk at 6 p.m. followed by a service of healing and hope, featuring music by Daryl J. Walker, Jerome Síbulo, and the World AIDS Day Ensemble.

The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Imani Latif. Latif is the executive director and founder of It Takes a Village, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing social and health disparities for people of color in the Denver metro area. This event is presented by multiple nonprofit organizations in the Denver community, including the Center for Health and Hope, Crazy Love Africa, and It Takes A Village.

TODAY IN LGBTQ+ HISTORY: On February 16, 1990, artist Keith Haring dies of AIDS at the age of 31. Known for designing the National Coming Out Day logo, below is his less known “Unfinished Painting,” which he intended to serve as a reminder of his own life being cut short by AIDS. pic.twitter.com/NQL30LCcEc

— Tyler the ✨????????????????????????????????✨ ????️‍????????️‍⚧️ (@TylerAlbertario) February 16, 2022

This year’s commemoration will mark the 38th World AIDS Day. While the AIDS epidemic took a devastating toll on the LGBTQ+ community during the 80s and early 90s, many queer people today are relatively removed from this important part of our history.

Not only is this day important from a historical perspective, but it reminds people and governments that HIV has not gone away. There is still an increased need for funding, resources, and education for the AIDS response. Even after 40 years, World AIDS Day is still needed to increase awareness of the impact of HIV on people’s lives and end stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV.

This year’s theme is “Take the rights path,” emphasizing that ending AIDS requires everyone’s rights to be protected. The upholding of everyone’s human rights is an essential underpinning of an effective HIV response. This year’s World AIDS Day is a call to action to protect everyone’s health by protecting everyone’s rights.

Come to Park Hill United Methodist Church on December 1 at 6 p.m. to gather, celebrate, be in community, and stand in solidarity with those who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Graphic courtesy of Park Hill United Methodist Church