Annual events commemorating World AIDS Day are slated across the city on December 1 — the day dedicated to commemorating the pandemic that has killed more than 600,000 Americans and more than 30 million worldwide — and on the subsequent days.
World AIDS Day Vigil
and Gathering
A candlelight vigil will begin at the NYC AIDS Memorial before shifting to St. John’s Lutheran Church at 81 Christopher St. At 6:30 p.m., those in attendance will have a time of reflection and read names of folks who died of AIDS. Guest speakers and performers will then host a World AIDS Day gathering at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/re5ebno.
When: Sun., Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
Where: New York City AIDS Memorial at Greenwich Ave. and W. 12th St.
Visual AIDS’ 30th Annual
Day With(out) Art
Visual AIDS, a nonprofit that uses art to fight AIDS, first organized a Day With(out) Art event in 1989 to generate discussion, support HIV-positive artists, and honor the legacies of those who passed. This World AIDS Day, Visual AIDS is commemorating the 30th Annual Day With(out) Art by screening “Still Beginning,” a collection of seven new videos (by Shanti Avirgan, Nguyen Tan Hoang, Carl George, Viva Ruiz, Iman Shervington, Jack Waters/ Victor F.M. Torres, and Derrick Woods-Morrow) focusing on the ongoing HIV/ AIDS crisis in various parts of the United States and tying together modern activism with history.
The screening will be followed by a conversation with Avirgan, Ruiz, and Waters, and moderated by Visual AIDS programs manager Kyle Croft. Screenings will also take place elsewhere around the city and in Chicago, Los Angeles, and other areas. Find out more information at tinyurl.com/upfqcxa.
When: Sun., Dec. 1 from 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Whitney Museum of American Art at 99 Gansevoort St., btwn. 10th Ave. and Washington St.
World AIDS Day Reading
The LGBT Community Center will host a World AIDS Day reading centering on the work of Edmund White, whose autobiographical writings included personal accounts of his own HIV-positive status as well as the broader HIV/ AIDS crisis. White will be on hand for this event while Michael Carroll, Lynne Tillman, Philip Clark, and Sarah Schulman read essays and excerpts from his work. White will end the event by reading from his work. Suggested donation is $10. More information at tinyurl.com/v5kym25.
When: Sun., Dec. 1 from 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
Where: LGBT Community Center at 208 W. 13th St.
Celebration of Songwriters with HIV/ AIDS
When: Sun., Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
Where: Abrons Arts Center, Playhouse Theater at 466 Grand St. near Pitt St.
The Red Ribbon Revue honors songwriters living with HIV and those who have passed away. Performers living with HIV who hail from the classical music, Broadway, and nightlife backgrounds in New York will share their stories. Tickets are $26-$56 and proceeds from the event will support Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS and mothers2mothers. Buy tickets at tinyurl.com/s6xqsff.
When: Sun., Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
Where: Abrons Arts Center, Playhouse Theater at 466 Grand St. near Pitt St.
City, State Commemorate
World AIDS Day
The End AIDS NY 2020 coalition is partnering with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the New York State Department of Health for a World AIDS Day event focused on unity. Those in attendance will honor those who have lost their lives and uplift those who are living with HIV/ AIDS at this free World AIDS Day event. A continental breakfast will be provided.
When: Mon., Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: New York Academy of Medicine 1216 Fifth Ave. at E. 103rd St.
Jacobi Hospital Observes
World AIDS Day
Jacobi Health and Empowerment Center will observe World AIDS Day by offering a meet-and-greet with staff before hosting a program featuring doctors and health experts who will serve as guest speakers. The event will also feature HIV education, prevention, testing, PrEP screening, a patient art exhibit, music, refreshments, and giveaways. For more information, call 718-0918-6987.
When: Mon., Dec. 2 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Jacobi Hospital’s Building 8 Lobby at 1400 Pelham Pkwy. S., The Bronx
AIDS in Cuba
Author Elena Schwolsky will discuss her book, “Waking in Havana,” connecting the epidemic in both New York City and Cuba. The night of readings, music, and personal stories will include Cuban AIDS Prevention group member Joel Iglesias, vocalist Lindsey Wilson, and others. More information at tinyurl.com/vaylpzc.
When: Tues., Dec. 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: The People’s Forum at 320 W. 37th St.
HIV League Drag Show
The HIV League hosts a World AIDS Day Drag Show featuring drag queens Ragamuffin and Lady Quesa’Dilla. DJ P_A_T provides music, and there will be performances by Junior Mint, Qhrist with a Q, and Serena Tea. Early-bird tickets are $10 and regular admission is $15. All of the proceeds will be dedicated to an HIV League Scholarship that helps students living with HIV. More information at tinyurl.com/u2rqbd9.
When: Dec. 2 at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: 3 Dollar Bill at 260 Meserole St. near Bushwick Pl. in E. Williamsburg
