(Image courtesy NIAID; from Flickr)
ORLANDO | The Central Florida HIV Planning Council is gearing up for this year’s World AIDS Day event with the theme “Remember and Commit.”
Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization, this day raises awareness about HIV and AIDS, remembers those lives lost to the epidemic and recognizes the progress made in the fight against HIV.
For the Planning Council, this day is more than a tradition — it is a vital touchstone for Central Florida’s HIV-positive community.
Senior co-chair of The Central Florida HIV Planning Council, Andres Acosta Ardila believes that the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS is exactly why there should be a day that celebrates the community.
“There’s so much stigma that comes with this disease. … Those that have lived with it for years still carry the trauma of living with it during the AIDS crisis, of living with it during a time where even coming out as HIV-positive was seen as radical, because people would look at you differently and treat you differently,” says Acosta Ardila.
The CFHPC invites the community to join them for the 7th annual World AIDS Day event, taking place at Villa Tuscany at Winter Club in Winter Park, on Dec. 1.
“It’s a day for us to honor the people that died so that I could have medication that keeps me alive, but also I get to feel like I’m a part of something, a part of community, a part of celebration and that’s beautiful,” says Acosta Ardila.
Attendees will gather at 2950 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park for an afternoon of reflection, celebration and community empowerment in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
The event will kick off with a social hour and refreshments from 2-3 p.m., followed by a program of live performances, special recognitions and tributes from 3-4:30 p.m.
A centerpiece of the ceremony will be the AIDS quilt, including newly created panels memorializing lives lost in Central Florida. These additions, supported by grants, reflect the local community’s ongoing efforts to preserve history and foster healing.
The theme, “Remember and Commit,” embodies the council’s dual focus: honoring progress while addressing persistent challenges, such as HIV criminalization laws that unfairly penalize those living with the virus. In Florida, individuals can face felony charges for consensual sexual activity without disclosing their HIV status — even if there is no risk of transmission due to medication or protective measures.
Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, a longtime ally, will deliver closing remarks at the event, underscoring the importance of legislative and community support.
The event will provide a space for community members to connect, share stories and strengthen the bonds essential to achieving a future free of HIV/AIDS.
Community members can register to attend by visiting the event registration page at hfuw.org.
