That’s a Wrap: AIDS/LifeCycle@HOME

Virtual-Style

The world’s largest single event HIV/AIDS fundraiser went virtual this year due to COVID-19. Featuring reimagined versions of some of the week-long ride’s favorite events including the Candlelight Vigil, Red Dress Day, and Talent Show, AIDS/LifeCycle@HOME raised more than $8.2 million for San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV/ AIDS-related services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Ride Director Tracy Evans acknowledged that, while everyone would have preferred to share hugs and a ride along the Pacific Ocean, she was grateful to the community for pulling together virtually with such enthusiasm.

“This week has been very different than any of us hoped for or expected,” she said during Closing Ceremony on June 6. “While we were not physically together, I’m so glad that we had the opportunity to connect, converse, and share some much-needed space with each other. I love that we even got to laugh together a few times. There’s no doubt that when the AIDS/ LifeCycle community connects, there’s a bit of magic that happens.”

AIDS/LifeCycle@HOME also included at-home workouts each morning; virtual hangouts, coffee talks, virtual dance parties; and even a mac ‘n cheese cooking tutorial from celebrity chef and co-chair of the Center’s Board of Directors Susan Feniger. Events throughout the week could be viewed on the AIDS/LifeCycle homepage. Participants interacted through livestream platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.

“Really missing what would have been this week,” participant Jennifer LaFors commented on Facebook. “But I’m grateful for all the love, commitment, and care AIDS/LifeCycle has generated through this medium.”

The Opening Ceremony included a moving presentation featuring members of the Positive Pedalers team, who are committed to building supportive and inclusive communities by participating in public and visible activities such as AIDS/ LifeCycle.

“It takes a community like this—friends, family, partners, colleagues, strangers, and spouses alike—all committed to a singular goal: ending AIDS,” said Poz Peds President Charles A. Lougee, a ride participant for 10 years. The Candlelight Vigil traditionally takes place along San Buenaventura State Beach on the ride’s last night with participants uniting to remember lives lost, to honor those who are still fighting, and to reflect on why the vital work to end AIDS continues. For AIDS/LifeCycle@HOME, the virtual vigil featured an image of a bike on the beach surrounded by candles with the sounds of ocean waves. Leonel Lorta commented: “Missing the many beautiful friends we lost along the way. Never forgotten and always in my heart.”

AIDS/LifeCycle@HOME kicked off on May 31 amid nationwide protests taking place each day in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.

“As we begin a week intended to foster community and connectedness, many of us feel grief and rage and a sense of helplessness,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean during the Opening Ceremony. “Yet, all of us can—and should—participate in efforts to seek justice and create accountability for such racist actions.”

“We commit ourselves to listening, learning, and taking fearless action to interrupt anti-Blackness and all other forms of racism,” added Foundation CEO Joe Hollendoner.

AIDS/LifeCycle 2021 is scheduled for June 6–12. To register, visit aidslifeycle.org

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is the largest provider of programs and services to LGBT people in the world. With 10 locations across Los Angeles, the Center is supported by nearly 800 staff members and thousands of volunteers.

The Center’s compassionate, talented, inspiring, and fun-loving staff and volunteers are united in our mission to build a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.

And we’re missing just one thing: You. Learn more about the opportunities waiting for you at lalgbtcenter.org/careers & lalgbtcenter.org/volunteer