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remember people died of AIDSrelated conditions. One example is an AIDS Memorial Quilt project, which allows friends and family members of a deceased AIDS sufferer to construct quilt panels, which are then exhibited throughout the United States.
Symbols The United Nations’ (UN) World AIDS Day is held on December 1st each year to honor AIDS victims. It also focuses on issues surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). World AIDS Day is a global observance and not a public holiday.
Background
The condition was first identified in 1981 and the name “AIDS” was first introduced on July 27, 1982. HIV can only be transmitted between people through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the blood stream with a bodily fluid. Hence, there has been a lot of stigma around the spread of HIV and people living with HIV and AIDS. It has been estimated that around 33 million people around the world have been infected with HIV and that around two million people die from AIDS related conditions each year. On October 27, 1988, the UN General Assembly officially recognized that the World Health Organization declared December 1, 1988, to be World AIDS Day.
What Do People Do?
World AIDS Day is the focal point of the World AIDS Campaign, which is active all year round. Many people hold events on World AIDS Day to 14 boiMAG
A simple red ribbon is one of the most widely recognized symbols of HIV and AIDS and the people who live with these conditions. The symbol was presented by the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus in 1991. The individuals in this group wished to remain anonymous, keep the image copyright free and create a symbol to raise consciousness of HIV and AIDS. The red ribbon was originally intended to be worn as a badge, but is now used in a wide variety of ways. The symbol of UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS consists of the word “UNAIDS”. The letters “U” and “N” are in black and the rest of letters are in red. To the left of the word ‘UNAIDS’ is a red ribbon superimposed on the symbol of the United Nations. This symbol is shown in black and consists of a projection of the globe centered on the North Pole surrounded by olive branches. The symbol of the World AIDS Campaign consists of a sketched image of a red ribbon and the words “world aids campaign”. The words “world” and “campaign” are in black and the word “aids” is in red. The ends of the ribbon merge into splashes of green, blue, purple and orange. The splashes of color can be interpreted in a variety of ways, and often indicate the diversity of people living with HIV and AIDS.
the early 1980s, HIV and AIDS have touched nearly every American in some way, and operated as an undeniable, though often unacknowledged, force in shaping politics, medicine, culture and society. While acknowledging and honoring the enormous anger, loss and grief generated by the epidemic, the exhibition refutes the narrative that AIDS is only a tragic tangent in American art. Instead, Art AIDS America offers a story of resilience and beauty The Alphawood Foundation, a Chicago revealed through the visual arts, and based, grant-making private foundation of the communities that gathered to working for an equitable, just and bring hope and change in the face of a humane society, is proudly presenting devastating disease. Art AIDS America here in Chicago. Each year the Foundation awards Visitor Information: grants to organizations, primarily in Starting December 1, Art AIDS the areas of advocacy, architecture America Chicago will be open and preservation, the arts and arts Wednesdays and Thursdays from education, promotion and protection of 11am-8pm, and Fridays, Saturdays the rights of LGBT citizens and people and Sundays from 11am-6pm. living with HIV/AIDS, and other human Admission to the Alphawood and civil rights. Gallery is free; however, to ensure “In bringing Art AIDS America to Chicago, entry, timed admission passes we have worked very hard, in concert may be reserved by visiting with those who originated the exhibition, ArtAIDSAmericaChicago.org. to include a wider and more inclusive Walk-ups will be available on a representation of work by women, artists limited basis. of color, and artists native to Chicago. Some spectacular loans have been added, The Gallery is conveniently appearing only in Chicago’s presentation located at 2401 N. Halsted in of the exhibition,” said Anthony (Tony) Chicago near the CTA Fullerton Hirschel, the director of Alphawood ‘L’ stop, as well as several CTA bus Exhibitions, routes. Limited free parking is available in an adjacent parking Art AIDS America is the first exhibition lot, along with more plentiful to explore how the AIDS crisis forever metered street parking and changed American art. Since the first garage parking nearby. reports of mysterious illnesses in Art AIDS America concludes its U.S. tour in Chicago at the newly created Alphawood Gallery, 2401 North Halsted Street, Chicago opening on World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, 2016, continuing through Sunday, April 2, 2017. This temporary space has been created in a former bank by the Chicago-based Alphawood Foundation to bring the exhibition to its only Midwest venue.
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Grab a group and join the jolly fun at the 8th annual Santa Hustle 5K Chicago on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Holiday cheer will bring out many participant’s that will don Santa hats and beards, along with dri-fit half-zips provided with registration. Cookie and candy stations, along with holiday music and cheer, will fill the course along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront. The 5k run/walk kicks off at 9am. “We’re celebrating eight successful years hosting this event in the windy city and are thrilled to be building on that,” said Aaron Del Mar, ASM founder. “There’s no better way to ring in the holiday season!” Since the holiday season is the perfect time to give back, proceeds from The Santa Hustle will benefit The American Cancer Society and Toys for Tots. Awards and customized Santa Hustle medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group, along with the overall top three finishers. New for 2016: Each participant who completes the course will receive a finishers medal.
For more information and to register: http://www.santahustle.com/chicago/ Questions? Email info@santahustle.com. boiMAG 23
in the know
Porchlight Theatre presents End of the Rainbow, now playing through Dec. 4th, at Stage-773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Featuring music from Judy Garland’s songbook and written by Peter Quilter, “End of the Rainbow” follows Garland as she prepares to make a final comeback in London. Featuring some of Garland’s most memorable songs, this savagely funny play with music offers unique insight into the inner conflict that inspired and consumed one of the most beloved figures in American history. The Randolph Street Market Festival is a European-style indoor-outdoor market which is home to the Chicago Antique Market, the Indie Designer Market, and Modern Vintage Chicago. Open on Nov. 19th-20th, 26th-27th, and Dec 10th-11th the holiday Market includes handmade decorations and crafts, as well as specialty foods. The Vinyl Swap Meet, Global Gifts Bazaar and Fancy Food Market unique holiday-time items. More information at www.randolphstreetmarket.com. For the Love of Chocolate, Nov. 19th explores the dark side of chocolate with The Goth Wedding, a Murderous Union. A Cocktail Party, a Play, a Costume Ball and a Fundraiser for two worthy causes. Where? The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago, a glamorous hotel with a notorious past. The evening will begin at 7:30pm with a grand reception. At 8:30pm The Play begins. The “Good Witch” will be the guide through the twists and turns of our haunted hotel. 10:30pm concludes with the Murderous Union and the Costume Ball. Touché Presents Spanksgiving on Wed. Nov. 23rd. Mr. Chicago Leather 2016 Todd Harris will be bringing some boys that are aching for your paddle. Go and take a whack for a good cause! Barlesque benefits the Test Positive Aware Network. Visit www.barlesque.org/guest/touche-todd/ and donate today, the more you donate,
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the more comes off! Then, dim lights for the Ripe Party on Sat. Nov. 26th with deep beats by DJ Harry T and hot go-go dudes. Art AIDS America is coming to Chicago, Dec. 1st-Apr. 2nd, 2017. This exhibit will contain work by some Chicago artists as well, including Danny Sotomayor and Israel Wright. Admission is free but space is limited. More information in the feature article on page 16 in this issue of boiMAGazine. One of a Kind Holiday Edition. The 16th annual One of a Kind Show, Holiday Edition, returns Dec. 1st-4th with more than 600 talented artists from across North America and thousands of original handmade gift options. Shop directly from the artists and enjoy a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with great food and entertainment. Event held at The Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza in Chicago Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Home for the Holidays,” on Dec. 2nd-3rd and Dec. 13th. From musical theatre to pop and even opera, this divalicious show is sure to rev up your holiday engines. You can expect a few traditional songs, but the program will include several original holiday songs by our favorite divas. And there’s even have a little treat in store, an actual diva! Opera singer extraordinaire Cynthia Clarey will grace the stage to round out this holiday experience. For more info. and tickets, go to: www.cgmc.org/boi-mag. Santa Hustle 5K race on Dec. 3rd. See Chicago unlike ever before as thousands of Santas race along the streets and paths of the lakefront. Jingle all the way through the course with candy and cookies, festive music, creative Christmas images, and so much more, all designed to get you in the perfect holiday mood. It is bound to be a Christmas tradition you do with your family and friends year after year. So, if you like dressing like Santa Claus, enjoy dancing to some holiday music, devouring candy, and joining in on an epic after party at Navy Pier then grab your favorite friends and family, get in the holiday spirit, and make your way to the Santa Hustle 5k!
Q: Donald Trump was elected as President of the United States to serve a 4-year term. As a result, will your organization change or evolve in anyway?
Modesto Tico Valle CEO Center on Halsted: Center on Halsted’s mission of advancing community and securing the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland is more relevant than ever as we are faced with a renewed threat of hatred, bigotry and persecution. Our work requires that Center on Halsted to listen to our community members and in turn provide a safe and nurturing space with resources that meet their concerns all the while advocating for change. We will continue in this work. As the political tide changes, Center on Halsted will continue to advocate on behalf of and with the LGBTQ community as people of all races, religions, abilities, sexes and genders. Patti Capouch CEO, Test Positive Aware Network Like so many of you, I find myself at a loss for words following yesterday’s election. The results, much different from what we had expected, will have widespread implications for us all—as families, healthcare patients and providers, and citizens. Despite the turbulent times to come, we will hold the needs of our clients as our compass. TPAN remains a safe space for everyone: HIVpositive, LGBTQ, people of color, women, and those in need. We will continue to provide information, promote harm reduction, and meet the needs of our clients, whatever they may be. 2017 will mark TPAN’s 30th Anniversary. We will meet January 20, Inauguration Day, with our doors open, and we will take every
opportunity to ensure they remain open for another thirty years. For those looking for comfort or a place to congregate in the coming days, our office is open to you. For those looking to show solidarity and resilience in the community, join us as we continue Barlesque, our month-long, sex-positive fundraiser through December 3. For all of us, remember that “there are two ways of attaining an important end, force and perseverance; the silent power of the latter grows irresistible with time.” John Peller, The AIDS Foundation of Chicago We are AIDS advocates. We FIGHT BACK. We fight for women to be treated with respect. We fight for Black lives, trans lives, Latinx lives, and Black gay men’s lives. We fight to support immigrants. We fight for the National AIDS Strategy. We fight for the Affordable Care Act. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago is committed like never before for fighting for equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases. David Ernesto Munar CEO, Howard Brown Together, we look forward. The days after a bruising and contentious election, we sit with feelings of uncertainty and trepidation. We fear progress expanding the healthcare safety net in our nation could be radically and irresponsibly reversed. We fear scapegoating and enactment of fiscal and social policy harmful to our constituents. And yet our resolve could not be stronger. As we try to make sense of the election results and their implications, we avow the fundamental values rooted in Howard Brown Health’s mission. As an organization, Howard Brown upholds a steadfast commitment to healthcare equity for all people regardless of their race/ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Continued on a following page > boiMAG 29
While we do not yet know the full impact of the election, what we know for sure is that Howard Brown will continue to serve Chicago in every way possible. Our mission continues despite the political climate – we will find strength within each other and continue to face new challenges together, with love for our people and resolve in our convictions. We remain committed to you. Chad Griffin President - HRC (photo credit: Getty Images)
Throughout our nation’s history, we’ve faced devastating setbacks in our pursuit of a more perfect union. But even in the darkest of moments, Americans have summoned the courage and persistence to fight on. This is a crucial moment for our nation and for the LGBTQ movement. The election of a man who stands opposed to our most fundamental values has left us all stunned. There will be time to analyze the results of this election, but we cannot afford to dwell. We must meet these challenges head on. Over the last 18 months, Donald Trump and Mike Pence have intentionally sowed fear and division for cynical political purposes. They now face a decision about whether they will also govern that way. We hope, for the sake of our nation and our diverse community, which includes women, people of color, those with disabilities, immigrants, and people of all faiths and traditions, they will choose a different path. For our part, HRC will continue our fight for equality and justice for all with greater urgency and determination than ever before. We must. Lives literally depend on it. The defeats we have suffered in this election demonstrate that our future victories will require us to dig deeper and work harder to continue bending the moral arc of the universe toward justice and equality. We must fight to protect our progress, and to limit the damage that Donald Trump has promised. 30 boiMAG
To every LGBTQ person across this nation feeling stunned and disheartened, and questioning if they have a place in our country today, I say this: You do. Don’t ever let anybody tell you otherwise. Be bold, be strong, and continue to stand up for the principles that have always made America great. Rea Carey, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force I don’t want to accept that this is the America we live in, that its promise of freedom now feels fleeting. LGBTQ people, poor people, immigrants, people of color, Muslims, women, people with disabilities, so many of us... will need all of us to have each other’s and their backs, to stand together and fight for justice. I know the days ahead will be difficult. That said, when we have given ourselves the time we need, we must move deliberately and fiercely forward, to protect what we have achieved and to think even bigger and bolder about the next era of progressive change, however long it may take. We have heard their plan, mass repeal for everything from food stamps for the very poor to Obamacare to marriage equality; mass deportations of immigrants; mass dehumanization of entire communities, and much more. We must do everything we can to stop the attacks we know are coming on the most vulnerable in our nation. I know we are all asking ourselves what we can do, what we should do. I know some of you just want to give up. Please don’t. We need you. The Task Force has been at this place before. Feeling defeated and feeling despair, but our over forty years of work and progress gives me the inspiration and strength to march forward. Most importantly, let’s hold each other close. Through our pain let our love shine brightly on one another. Let’s dust each other off and start our journey again… together.