Today is the 35th annual World AIDS Day, a time to honor and remember those we have lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and advocate for those living with and at risk of contracting HIV.
The global theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is “Let Communities Lead” — which recognizes that since the first days of the epidemic, the folks most at risk of, or affected by HIV/AIDS, have been on the frontlines of innovation in treatment and care and slowing the transmission of HIV.
During the darkest days of the epidemic, AIDS ravaged underserved communities that already faced discrimination from systems of power – including health care. LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC individuals, people who used injection drugs, sex workers, and those experiencing homelessness were all too often met with discrimination from the institutions that were supposed to be offering comfort and care. But Fenway Health’s response to the epidemic, from the very start, was influenced and led by those most affected by AIDS.
In that spirit, we are proud to announce Getting to Zero Week 2023: A Collective Call To Action
Getting to Zero is a worldwide initiative dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic and achieving a future with zero new HIV diagnoses, zero stigma, and zero AIDS-related deaths. Since 2015, Fenway Health has led Getting to Zero efforts for the state of Massachusetts.
Beginning on World AIDS Day, Getting to Zero Week will feature events focused on ending the epidemic. Join us by sharing your story, listening to others’ journeys, acquiring advocacy skills, or simply asking questions to become an informed ally. Getting to Zero Week will culminate with an in-person reception at Fenway Health on Friday, December 8, from 6-9:30 PM that we hope you will attend!
Friday, December 1, 2023: World AIDS Day
Event: SPOKE’s Day Without Art
- Time: All-day
- Location: Boston Center for the Arts, Cyclorama
- Description: Join SPOKE for a full day of activities dedicated to raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, challenging stigma, and honoring those we lost. SPOKE is collecting 500 stories of stigma, reflection, and remembrance for their 32nd Annual World AIDS Day 12-Hour Vigil at the Boston Center for The Arts. Participate in the “I Spoke to End HIV” workshop, creating art and sharing stories to fight stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Submit a selfie and a story or a photo of a loved one to be part of SPOKE’s World AIDS Day Exhibition, “A Day Without Art.” For more information, contact Raymond Rodriguez at [email protected].
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Event: Queer Activism Conference
- Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Location: Clark University (950 Main Street Worcester, MA, 01610)
- Description: BAGLY invites LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 15 to 25 for a day of activism and social justice at the Queer Activism Conference. Build advocacy skills, learn about public health, and connect with peers from across Massachusetts. Register here.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Event: PrEP: A Call to Action
- Time: 2 – 3:30 PM
- Location: Zoom, Panel Discussion
- Description: Join Getting to Zero Massachusetts, Fenway Health, and partners for a conversation addressing the state of PrEP in Massachusetts, its role in ending the HIV epidemic, and the future of PrEP as an HIV prevention tool. Register here.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Event: World AIDS Day Q&A Live Instagram Event
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Frolic and Fenway Health’s Instagram
- Description: Dr. Taimur Khan and Andrew Camarena join Frolic (@wearefrolic) for a World AIDS Day Q&A Instagram Live event discussing sexual health and services at Fenway Health. Join here.
Friday, December 8, 2023
Event: Getting to Zero Reception
- Time: 6-9:30 PM
- Location: Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston St., Boston
- Description: Getting to Zero is a worldwide initiative dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic and achieving a future with zero new HIV diagnoses, zero stigma, and zero AIDS-related deaths. Since 2015, Fenway Health has led Getting to Zero efforts for the state of Massachusetts. After eight years, we are coming together to celebrate the work we’ve achieved, harness our communities’ collective energies, and activate the next generation of HIV and AIDS Activists. Email [email protected] for more information. RSVP here.