World AIDS Day, an international day to commemorate the lives lost to the AIDS epidemic, support those living with HIV, and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, takes place on Dec. 1 and Philadelphia offers many opportunities for community, education and celebration throughout the weekend. Events this year include film screenings, health events and more.
Colleges and Universities
Temple’s Wellness Resource Center and Camp Dreamcatcher’s “Crafting for a Cause”
Thursday, Nov. 30
2-3:30 PM
Temple University’s Charles Library, 1900 N 13th St.
The Wellness Resource Center at Temple University and Camp Dreamcatcher, a camp that supports youth affected by HIV/AIDS, are collaborating on a crafting event to create arts and crafts for campers. The event will take place in the first-floor event space of Temple University’s Charles Library.
Drexel Student Health Center World AIDS Day
Friday, Dec. 1
11 AM-3 PM
Drexel Student Health Center, 3401 Market St.
The Dorothy Mann Center for Pediatric & Adolescent HIV at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Drexel’s Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice, which provides care for individuals living with or at-risk for HIV, are co-hosting an event at Drexel University’s Student Health Center. Event hosts will offer free rapid HIV tests, HIV prevention information and additional health services and information. The event is free and no appointments are necessary.
World AIDS Day Fair
Friday, Dec. 1
12-3 PM
Winnet Student Life Building Lobby — Community College of Philadelphia, 502 N 17th St.
The Community College of Philadelphia is hosting a World AIDS Day Fair in collaboration with GALAEI, an organization that supports QTBIPOC communities with education, events and resources. The fair will offer information on HIV/AIDS and have giveaways for attendees. The event will take place in the Winnet Student Life Building Lobby on the Community College of Philadelphia’s main campus.
Community Events
Philadelphia FIGHT’s Annual Prayer Breakfast
Friday, Dec. 1
8:30-11 AM
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City, 237 S Broad St.
Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers, an organization providing care and support to low-income individuals living with or at greater risk of HIV, is hosting their annual Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast will include a keynote speech by Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson, Jr., Senior Pastor of Monumental Baptist Church.
Philadelphia FIGHT’s Celebrate Life Reception
Friday, Dec. 1
6-8 PM
Kimmel Center’s Hamilton Garden, 300 South Broad St.
Philadelphia FIGHT is also hosting a reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction at the Kimmel Center’s Hamilton Garden. This event is the organization’s first in-person reception since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and is dedicated to giving back to the community. Tickets are $125 and must be purchased in advance.
Everyone I Know is Sick
Friday, Dec. 1
6-8 PM
Institute of Contemporary Art — University of Pennsylvania, 118 S. 36th St.
The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania and Visual AIDS, a contemporary arts organization dedicated to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, are co-hosting a free screening of Everyone I Know is Sick, a series of five videos examining HIV and its connection to other illnesses and disabilities. A conversation and reception will follow the screening. Registration is required.
The Fight Continues: World AIDS Day Special Screening
Friday, Dec. 1
7-10 PM
Scribe Video Center, 3908 Lancaster Ave.
The Scribe Video Center, a local nonprofit organization that encourages the use of audio/visual media as an agent for social change, is hosting a showing of the films “Fuel for the Fire: HIV Stigma in the Black Community,” which depicts the stories of individuals in the Black community who have been impacted by HIV, and “25 to Life,” a documentary about William Brawner, who developed HIV in infancy and concealed his status for more than 25 years. The event is free, but donations are encouraged.
The 11th Annual Code Red
Sunday, Dec. 3
6-10 PM
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, 1009 Canal St.
This fundraising event, hosted by Michael “Cherry Pop” Tambon, will raise funds for HIV nonprofit organizations and increase awareness of HIV through 24 acts of burlesque performances, live singing, comedy sketches and more. In addition to welcoming more than 90 Philadelphia-area drag performers, the show will invite individuals to come forward as HIV positive during a special performance, “Breaking the Silence,” to destigmatize HIV. Tickets are on sale now, and guests must be 21 or older to attend.