World AIDS Day 2024

What is the world aids day national observance?

Each year on December 1st, our community gathers to remember those lost, educate others, and rally to eliminate the devastating stigma and loss associated with the ongoing AIDS crisis.

As our country’s only federally designated memorial for AIDS, the National AIDS Memorial hosts a pivotal observance each year to recognize this internationally dedicated day. Join us in the Grove on Sunday, December 1st as we gather to heal, hope, and remember.

HOW ARE WE RECOGNIZING WORLD AIDS DAY IN 2024?

By sparking powerful conversations, the National AIDS Memorial will highlight the pressing issues impacting the AIDS crisis today. By sharing the story of the struggle against HIV/AIDS, we fight against stigma, denial, and hate for a just future.

Headlining these conversations is an intergenerational conversation that will bring forth the stories of HIV+ individuals of different ages. How is stigma still experienced today? What is the ongoing experience of long term survivors? What is the experience of young HIV+ individuals testing positive in the 2020s? These questions and more will be answered during this powerful conversation.

Spotlight

Remembering Leaders Lost to AIDS
‍We are honored to posthumously recognize Hydeia Broadbent with the National Leadership Recognition Award.

After testing positive for HIV at the age of three, Hydeia became one of the most notable child activists of her generation. Broadbent continued to fight HIV/AIDS stigma until her death this past February at the young age of 39.

Recognizing Local Heroes
‍Spotlighting a leader in our community, we are honored to recognize Vince Crisostomo with the Thom Weyand Unsung Hero Award in recognition of his decades of advocacy.
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Vince has lived with HIV/AIDS for over 35 years, dedicating much of them to HIV and LGBTQ+ activism at international, regional, national, and grassroots levels.

Recognizing a Community Touched by HIV
‍‍“Dandelions” are individuals who acquired HIV at birth or when they were young children. Too often, Dandelions are overlooked in the context of the AIDS crisis, and face challenges unique to others impacted by HIV.

We are honored to recognize Dandelions and dedicate a boulder to them on World AIDS Day.

WHY iS WORLD AIDS DAY IMPORTANT IN 2024?

The AIDS crisis is not over.

According to the World Health Organization, more than one million people acquired HIV in 2023 alone. By sharing the tragic story of AIDS, we make strides toward ensuring that future communities will not be harmed by fear, silence, discrimination, or stigma.

A LOOK BACK AT 2023

In 2023, our World AIDS Day National Observance sparked powerful conversations about our community’s perseverance and the intersections between the AIDS crisis and other pressing human rights issues.

Greg Louganis won two gold medals as an Olympic diver in 1984 and 1988. But he is celebrated for more than just his impressive athletic accomplishments. His resilience and dedication to activism inspire many, and we are honored that he shared his inspiring journey of living with HIV last year.

Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right that lies at the core of personal freedom, choice, and self-determination. Throughout this session, we delved into the complexities of bodily autonomy, its intersections with various aspects of life, and the pressing issues and challenges surrounding this essential concept.