The first World AIDS Day took place on Dec. 1, 1988, less than a decade after the first known cases of the virus were reported in young, gay men in the U.S., and was the first international day dedicated to a global health crisis.
The day was conceived by two men at the World Health Organization as a way for all the people of the world to unite in their fight against HIV/AIDS, to show support for those living with the virus and to remember those who were lost to AIDS-related illness.
In that first year and every year since, World AIDS Day takes on an annual theme. For World AIDS Day 2022 the theme is Equalize, a call to action to address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS. Below you will find information for several World AIDS Day events happening throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay.
If you know of any events happening that are not listed, please reach out to either our Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams at Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com or our Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent at Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com to have them added. You can also read our World AIDS Day 2022 coverage here.
World AIDS Day Quilt Display
Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sarasota Art Museum (1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota)
An observance of World AIDS Day 2022 presented by CAN Community Health.
World AIDS Day: Rock the Ribbon 2022
Dec. 1, 2-4 p.m.
Joyce Goode Center (1509 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne)
Unconditional Love Inc. will be holding a free World Aids Day event at the Joyce Goode Center featuring a display of artwork, World AIDS Bell, educational material and more. Guests will also receive a complimentary support ribbon.
World AIDS Day Quilt Display
Dec. 1, 4-8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tampa Museum of Art (120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa)
A selection of 20 quilts on exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art commemorates World AIDS Day, presented by CAN Community Health. The quilts on view were created for the Southwest Florida Community AIDS Quilt Project, which began in 1994 when several HIV+ men wanted to memorialize the friends and loved ones they had lost.
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil
Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m.
Eau Gallie Park (1453 Highland Ave., Melbourne)
Project Response will hold a candlelight vigil at Eau Gallie Park for those who we have lost since the start of the AIDS epidemic. Earlier that day, Project Response will also hold an Art & History exhibit at Comprehensive Health Care, located at 1495 N. Harbor City Blvd. Ste E, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Both events are free to attend.
Intimate Reflections
Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m.
Orlando Shakes (812 E. Rollins St., Orlando)
The Central Florida HIV Planning Council and Heart of Florida United Way invite you to an evening celebration with long-term HIV survivors. The evening will feature music, free food and prizes. The event is free but you are asked to register. You can find the Eventbrite link on Central Florida HIV Planning Council’s Facebook page.
World AIDS Day Health Fair
Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Florida Department of Health, Osceola County (1875 Fortune Rd., Kissimmee)
The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is partnering with the LGBT+ Center Kissimmee to host the World AIDS Day Health Fair. During the health fair, free HIV and Hep C testing with on-site results will be available. In addition, there will be HIV and STD education, PrEP education, and free condoms. Attendees will also be able to visit vendor tables to learn about services offered to the community. This event is free and open to the public with no appointments necessary.
World AIDS Day 2022
Dec. 3, 1-5 p.m.
The Sanderlin Center (2335 22nd Ave., St. Petersburg)
The Pinellas Planning Partnership invites you to its 2022 World AIDS Day event at The Sanderlin Center. The Pinellas Planning Partnership was established June 2011 to facilitate collaboration between HIV/AIDS service organizations in Pinellas County. The event will feature entertainment, free food, music, community resources, free testing and free vaccinations. For more information, contact PPPStPete@gmail.com.
World AIDS Day Gala
Dec. 10, 6-10 p.m.
Garden Club of DeLand (865 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand)
Rising Against All Odds and DeLand Pride present the 2022 World AIDS Day Gala featuring a silent auction, raffles, entertainment hosted by Kirk T. DaVinci and featuring Aaliyah Nouveau, King Neal Debonair and other special guests with proceeds benefiting both organizations. Tickets are $40 in advance (via Eventbrite) and $50 at the door. Tickets include admission to the event, one free signature cocktail, light bites and access to a cash bar.
