World AIDS Day has been observed on Dec. 1 since 1988 as a way to commemorate over 32 million people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses worldwide and show support to those living with HIV/AIDS.
Philadelphia has several events lined up, including information fairs, movie screenings, and a concert to help spread awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Colleges & Universities
World AIDS Day Info Fair
Monday, Dec. 2
11 AM-2 PM
Winnet Student Life Building Lobby — Community College of Philadelphia, 502 N 17th St.
The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) will be collaborating with Galaei to host the World AIDS Day Info Fair at the college. Galaei is a radical social organization that was originally founded to serve the queer Latine/a/o/x community, but has expanded to provide support for all Queer, Trans, Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) communities in Philadelphia. The event will take place in the Winnet Student Life Building lobby and offer information about HIV and AIDS.
World AIDS Day Fair
Monday, Dec. 2
12 -4 PM
Temple Student Center, 1755N. 13th St.
Like CCP, Temple University will be collaborating with Galaei to host the World AIDS Day Fair at the Temple Student Center. The event will feature information on HIV/AIDS, linkage to care, as well as free testing and safer sex resources.
Community Events
Action Wellness’ “Action Heroes Wear Red” campaign
Sunday, Dec. 1
9 AM-5 PM
Action Wellness will be continuing their public awareness campaign, “Action Heroes Wear Red.” The Action Heroes in question are community members (and some of their pets) who wear red to show support for AIDS awareness and to break the stigma. As the Action Wellness website states, “The purpose of the campaign is to refocus attention on the continuing stigma, discrimination, and other issues which affect people living with HIV.” Photos of the Action Heroes, HIV facts, and video messages will be posted every hour on Action Wellness’ Twitter, Instagram, Facebook accounts and the Action Wellness website.
Philadelphia FIGHT’s Celebrate Life Gala
Thursday, Dec. 5
6.-8 PM
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, 433 Chestnut St.
The night will celebrate the legacy of Jane Shull, the organization’s retiring CEO, and the continued leadership of Karam Mounzer, the Chief Scientific Officer and Medical Director of The Jonathan Lax Center. Attendees will be able to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Individual tickets are $150.
World AIDS Week Movie Screening: Philadelphia
Thursday, Dec. 5
6-9:30 PM
Triple Bottom Brewing, 915 Spring Garden Street
Courage Medicine will be hosting a screening of the movie “Philadelphia” at Triple Bottom Brewing. In addition to the movie, free STI and HIV testing will be offered, along with condoms, lube, harm reduction supplies, and Plan B. Snacks will be provided, but other food and drinks will be available for purchase from Triple Bottom Brewing. The movie will start at 6:30 p.m.
World AIDS Day Youth Concert and Mixer
Saturday, Dec. 7
1-5 PM
MQ Factory — Ricky Codio Studio, 126 Leverington Ave
The ITAV Foundation is a volunteer-run nonprofit that is dedicated to making a difference in the inter-city communities of Philadelphia and Jamaica, PA. Their goal with the concert is to educate young people about HIV/AIDS prevention and create a safe space to talk about sexual health. The concert will feature live performances by A-Level Gentlemen Band, special guests and DJ Sherlan. There will also be free HIV testing, networking opportunities, food, drinks and fun activities.