Organizations around the state plan to commemorate World AIDS Day in the upcoming weeks.
See a full listing of events after the jump.
ORLANDO
Dec. 1
Legendary Reflections
This gala, presented by the Parliament House and Team MAC Cosmetics Orlando, benefits the Hope & Help Center on Sunday, Dec. 1. A $10 donation gets patrons entrance and appetizers and throughout the night Parliament House will mix specialty drinks for the occasion.
Doors open at 9 p.m. and a raffle and silent auction will help raise money to battle HIV AIDS in Central Florida. A La Cage production is scheduled for 10 p.m. For more information, visit ParliamentHouse.com
Dec. 2
Hope & Help Open House
Celebrate Hope & Help’s new location with a free open house on Monday, Dec. 2, from 2-7 p.m. The celebration will include light food fare from Pom Pom’s Teahouse and a tour of the new facility located at 1516 E. Colonial Dr., #203. Free and confidential HIV testing will be on site and Walgreens will provide free flu shots and health screenings.
Dec. 5
Still Around
Join Joy MCC for a free screening of Still Around, featuring stories of rage and hope surrounding the battle against HIV/AIDS on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The unrated film reminds viewers that despite improved treatment, HIV and it’s social effects have not vanished and those living with the disease continue to live vital and complicated lives. Still Around provides glimpses into the everyday challenges and hopeful solutions crafted by the diverse people engaged in the epidemic. Seats are limited, so those interested are encouraged to arrive early for the viewing.
For more information, call the church at 407-894-1081 or email JoyMCC@JoyMCC.com.
TAMPA BAY
Nov. 23
Rock AIDS
Raise HIV/AIDS Awareness with Metro Wellness and Community Centers’ second Rock AIDS Concert at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa Saturday, Nov. 23. The outdoor concert will feature bands like Karmic Tattoo, the White Honkeys, and John Q. The concert starts at 3 p.m. and is expected to last until 7 p.m., and more bands and entertainers are being added to the schedule daily. A5.50 entry fee benefits Metro Wellness and Community Centers. Tickets are available online at MetroTampaBay.org.
Nov. 25
Longtime Companion
The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project will remember those who passed and still suffer from HIV/AIDS with their annual Prelude to Worlds AIDS Day presentation at American Stage in St. Petersburg on Nov. 25. This staged reading of Longtime Companion follows the lives of a small circle of friends from the first mention of the disease in the New York Times in 1981. First referred to as “Gay-Related-Immune-Disorder,” we watch the effect of the disease as it devastates the lives of our protagonists. Jumping between Manhattan and Fire Island, vignettes carry us from the-it-couldn’t-happen-to-me mentality of the early days of the disease to the invasive effect it has had on all of our lives, today. The title of the film comes from the New York Times’ refusal to acknowledge homosexual relationships in their obituary section during this period. Instead, survivors were referred to as “Longtime Companions” of the deceased. Doors open at 7 p.m. and advance tickets are $15 at AmericanStage.org.
Nov. 30
ASAP Luncheon
Clients of AIDS Service Association of Pinellas with gather for the annual World AIDS Day Breakfast/Luncheon to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS. This year’s program is on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Suncoast Hospice South County Service Centar at 3050 1st Ave. South. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., the program will begins and will feature the AIDS Memorial Bells and a young HIV positive woman who will share the story of her diagnosis. The program ends at 11 a.m. RSVPs are appreciated by Nov. 22 by calling 727-328-3264.
Dec. 1
AIDS Memorial Bells
The King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church will hold a special “Tolling of the AIDS Memorial Bells” at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. The bells commemorate those who lost the fight with HIV/AIDS and brings a moment of solemn clarity to the day. For details, visit KingOfPeaceMCC.com.
Santa Speedo Run
Grab your Santa Hat and your skimpy swimwear and participate in the fourth annual Santa Speedo Run, benefitting the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas’ Brighter Seasons for Children charity on Sunday, Dec. 1. The annual one-mile run starts and ends at Centennial Park in Ybor City, and festive holiday attire is encouraged. All ages are welcome to participate in the run which begins at 2 p.m. Runner check-in starts at 1 p.m. Participants can register at ASAPServices.com/SantaSpeedoRun.
TIGLFF World AIDS Day Film Program
Join the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival at Muvico Ybor as it presents the Florida premieres of the new documentary, Keep the Promise: The Global Fight Against AIDS and the dramatic short film, Stigma. The short film tells the story of Peter, who tests positive for HIV and sets out on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Keep the Promise is narrated by AIDS activist Margaret Cho and profiles advocates from around the world as they gather in Washington, D.C. to protest global AIDS policy.
SARASOTA
Dec. 1|
Trinity Service
Commemorate World AIDS Day with the congregation of Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church on Sunday, Dec. 1. A special service will be held at 7 p.m. to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS and to encourage those living with and battling the disease every day. For information, visit TrinityMCC.com.
Dec. 6
How to Survive a Plague
The battle for medical research to combat HIV/AIDS is a big part of LGBT history, and it’s documented in the film How to Survive a Plague, which will screen at Trinity Metropolitan Community Church in Sarasota at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6. The film tells the story of ACT UP and TAG, two groups of activists who’s innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Motivated by their own mortality and with no scientific training, these self-made activists infiltrated the pharmaceutical industry and helped identify promising new drugs. The film features historic, archival footage from the 1980s and 90s. For more information, visit TrinityMCC.com.
Dec. 7
Sarasota/Manatee AIDS Walk
The annual 2-mile walk returns to Sarasota in 2013 on Saturday, Dec. 7, but this year’s route is different. The walk starts at 8 a.m. at J.D. Hamel Park and participants will walk the entire Ringling Bridge. Proceeds benefit Trinity Charities and sponsors include Macy’s, Walgreens, Tropicana, The Old Salty Dog, Comprehensive Care Center, CARES and more. Food and music will kick off the festivities as walkers sign in at 7 a.m. For more information, visit TrinityCharities.org.
