Congratulations on rounding out another year, Tar Heels!
The start of December holds an important remembrance day – World AIDS Day. Occurring on December 1st every year since 1988, World AIDS Day is an opportunity to continue to raise awareness around HIV/AIDS as well as its associated stigma, and to honor the history and contributions of the queer community to the struggle with the virus. The red ribbon is a common symbol associated with AIDS awareness and can be a quick shorthand on this day to honor those who have lived and continue to live with HIV/AIDS.
For more information about World AIDS Day, check out the following resources:
On December 8, we celebrate Pansexual/Panromantic Pride Day! This is an opportunity to celebrate our pansexual and panromantic community members – those who experience sexual or romantic attraction regardless of gender. Learn more about Pansexual/Panromantic Pride Day with the links below!
December 14 sees HIV Cure Research Day, which is a more recently established remembrance day from right here in North Carolina, in Durham! HIV Cure Research Day was co-founded by Dr. Allison Matthews and and Kimberly Knight in 2016 to promote our shared responsibility in ending the HIV epidemic and to celebrate the community members who work tirelessly to develop a cure. The establishment of HIV Cure Research Day also has helped to address historical harm done in the name of HIV cure research and to pave a path forward that considers all that the medical community serves. Discover more about the research for a cure to HIV at the links below!
We hope your December has been warm despite the cold weather. Take care, and as always, the LGBTQ Center is here to connect you to the resources, support, and education you need. We will see you in the new year! you to the resources, support, and education you need!