Don't Miss AIDS/LifeCycle World AIDS Day Broadcast on December 1

LAS VEGAS — (11-27-21) — The 34th Annual AIDS/LifeCycle World AIDS Day broadcast kicks off on December 1, 2021. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day is the first-ever global health day recognized worldwide.

It is the one time per year that we all reflect on those lost to AIDS, to support the people living with HIV and to speak out against HIV stigma and discrimination against those infected with HIV.

This also marks the 40th anniversary of when the first five cases of what later became known as AIDS were officially reported. More than 700,000 American lives have been lost to HIV over the last 40 years and more than 1.1 million Americans are currently living with HIV.

The Biden administration has given this year’s observance the theme of “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice.”

The AIDS/LifeCycle broadcast will discuss among other things the growing inequalities of people gaining access to essential HIV services. The broadcast takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. and will include a live candlelight vigil led by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence of Los Angeles.

Scheduled to speak during the broadcast include remarks from AIDS and LGBT rights activist Cleve Jones and performances by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

“It’s a really good time for everyone in our community and outside of our community to pause and acknowledge that there has been an epidemic going on since the 1980s and people have continued to be infected and die,” said Ontiveros, AIDS/LifeCycle senior recruitment coordinator. “It’s a time to not only remember those we have lost, but also to celebrate how far we have come. We have made some tremendous strides as a community, the way we have all learned to work together.” said Ontiveros.