Each year, World AIDS Day is held on Dec. 1, turning the spotlight on a disease that affects 1.1 million people in the United States and an estimated 34 million people worldwide. This global day of recognition was first organized in 1998 to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from it.
Here are some of the events planned throughout Tampa Bay to commemorate the day:
The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Muvico Ybor present a World AIDS Day film program on Sunday, Dec. 1 starting at 7 p.m. The event will feature the Florida premieres of the documentary Keep the Promise: The Global Fight Against AIDS and the dramatic short film Stigma.
Narrated by Margaret Cho, Keep the Promise is a documentary that profiles advocates from around the world as they gathered in Washington, DC in 2012 to protest global AIDS policy on the eve of the 19th International AIDS Conference. The film includes celebrity appearances by Dr. Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, Reverend Al Sharpton and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as musical performances by Wyclef Jean.
In Stigma, Peter’s worldview changes when he tests positive for HIV. He goes on with his normal daily routine unsure of what to do with himself or who to tell, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Tickets are $10 or $8 with a canned good for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP) Food Bank or an unwrapped toy for Metro Wellness and Community Centers.
ASAP will also hold its 4th Annual Santa Speedo Run that day at Ybor City’s Centennial Park. Runners check in at 1 p.m.; the run begins at 2 p.m.
Runners strip down to their swimwear to raise money for ASAP and Brighter Seasons for Children. The cost to register for this one-mile run is $35. Pledges can be made in the name of a participating runner, and general donations are also accepted.
And earlier that morning, St. Pete’s King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church will hold a special “Tolling of the AIDS Memorial Bells” at 10 a.m. to commemorate the lives of those who lost their fight with HIV/AIDS.
The next day, Monday, Dec. 2, Tampa’s Francis House will hold a vigil at 5:30 p.m. to remember those who have died from HIV/AIDS in the past year.
Later in the week, Pinellas County will observe World AIDS Day on Friday, Dec. 6, 12 to 4 p.m., at Williams Park in St. Petersburg. In addition to free health screenings, the event will also include food, entertainment and giveaways. This year’s theme is Getting to Zero, meaning zero infections or AIDS-related deaths.
