Today is World AIDS Day, which, according to the World AIDS campaign is:
…the day when individuals and organisations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Whilst we have come a long ways since 1988, there is still much more to be done.
Portland’s most visible commemoration is the lighting on the Morrison Bridge, which has been turned red and will remain so through tomorrow.
Tonight, the colorful Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be holding a walking vigil beginning at the Salmon Street Springs (SW Salmon St and Waterfront Park). From there, they’ll travel through the downtown nightlife giving out “bliss kits,” which include condoms, lube and a coupon for free HIV testing. The night will end at C.C. Slaughters where I’m sure the night will continue with both revelry and reverence.
More specifics from the Sisters:
The Sisters will be wearing white veils that evening. One veil will be the Veil of Shame, on which we ask that you write all the words and names that have been used to shame you. The Sisters will bear this burden and destroy the veil at the end of the evening. The other veil will be the Veil of Remembrance, on which you may write the names of those who have passed from HIV/AIDS. This veil will be saved and kept in the Sisters’ Archives.
For postcards, images and other World AIDS Day materials you can visit the WAD’s resources PDF download page.
