On Sunday May 24, 2015,
the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) supported the
initiative of the the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GN+) and hosted
the 6th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Guyana on the
steps of the St. George’s Cathedral.
 |
| Chelauna Providence,
Organiser of the event and Social Change Coordinator, SASOD and John
Quelch, chairperson of the event and Project Coordinator, SASOD
addressing the audience. |
The theme for this year’s 32nd
annual observance, ‘Supporting the Future,’ challenges people from various
communities around the world to unite and demand a sustainable AIDS response -
one that is fully inclusive. The event reinforced the need for access to
treatment, care and support, as many persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are still
facing discrimination and criminalization in various contexts.
The International AIDS
Candlelight Memorial is not just a memorial, but an opportunity for communities
to mobilize and raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. It is about fostering
global solidarity, and breaking down the barriers of stigma and discrimination,
and restoring hope for the future.
Delivering the feature address was Ms. Folami Harris, Chief of Party of the USAID Advancing Partners and
Communities (APC) Project. In her address she challenged those present to apply a simple ABC model
as they support the future. She spoke to Acceptance
of those living with HIV, calling for a sense of Belongingness within our respective communities and groups, and
being a part of the Collective response
to HIV.
