World AIDS Day has been traditionally held on December 1 every year since 1988. This year it marks its 35th annual commemoration. The focus and aim of World AIDS Day is to honor and remember the millions who have been lost to the disease and to keep in mind those currently living with HIV.
Pittsburgh has a lot of events happening in conjunction with World AIDS Day. It will all start on November 30 with the annual Pitt Men’s Study program which this year will act as the kick-off for many other events happening around the city. The Pitt Men’s Study service is for the second year produced in partnership with AIDS Free Pittsburgh, Allies for Health + Wellbeing, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, QBurgh, and Shepherd Wellness Community.
While the number of new cases is not as high as it once was, HIV/AIDS is still a major threat in both the gay and straight communities.
“This is HIV/AIDS pandemic year 42; Pitt Men’s Study year 40; World AIDS Day year 35. Defeating this virus remains our life’s work until it is accomplished,” said Dr. Charles Rinaldo of the Pitt Men’s Study reaffirming the commitment to the fight and reminding us we have come a long way.
Thursday, November 30
The World AIDS Day Kick-Off event will be held at the Shepherd Wellness Community with the doors opening at 6:30 pm and the service/program starting at 7:00 pm. This year’s speakers will be Maria Montano (City of Pittsburgh Press Secretary) and Cynthia Klemanski (Longtime HIV/AIDS Activist). There will be performances by the Pitt Men’s Glee Club and Hazell.
Pittsburgh is recognizing World AIDS Day the entire weekend with the following events:
Friday, December 1
Allegheny Health Network “World AIDS Day 2023 – The Light at the End of the Tunnel”
320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh 15212
8:00 AM
Shepherd Wellness Community Dinner & HIV Support Group
4800 Scotia Avenue, Pittsburgh 15224
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Union Project “The Category is…. Red: A World AIDS Day Event”
801 N. Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, December 2
World AIDS Day Paint the Town Red; Party and Mini Ball
4713 Chatsworth Ave, Pittsburgh 15207
9:30 PM – 1:00 AM