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Pride Committee

Rockford Area Pride Committee to Host Wreath-Laying Ceremony Honoring Lives Lost to the AIDS Epidemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Rockford, IL – The Rockford Area Pride Committee invites the community to join them on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 12:00 PM, for a wreath-laying ceremony at Rockford’s AIDS Memorial Garden, located at the Crusader Community Health Clinic's West State Campus (1200 West State Street Rockford, IL 61102). The event will honor those who lost their lives to the AIDS epidemic while raising awareness of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and the stigma surrounding the disease.


This event will draw attention to a public health crisis that has had a devastating impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. Beginning in the early 1980s, the AIDS epidemic disproportionately affected gay men, leading to widespread stigma, fear, and discrimination. LGBTQIA+ activists responded with courage and determination, founding organizations like ACT UP and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis to provide care, advocate for funding, and demand government action.


While medical advances have made significant strides, the battle is far from over. Today, HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, including men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and people of color, particularly Black and Latino MSM. As Rockford’s diverse communities continue to grow, education, advocacy, and ending stigma are critical steps toward advancing the interests of our community.


Event Itinerary

  • 11:30 AM: Gathering at Rockford’s AIDS Memorial Garden. Red ribbons will be distributed as a symbol of solidarity and remembrance.

  • 11:45 AM: Presentation on local resources available to the LGBTQIA+ community, focusing on healthcare and education efforts.

  • 12:00 PM: Wreath Laying Ceremony and ringing of the Pride Bell, followed by a moment of silence to honor those lost to the epidemic.


This event is free and open to the public. Community members of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend to honor those lost to the epidemic, learn about resources available to those living with HIV and advocacy/volunteer opportunities, and stand in solidarity with those still impacted today.


About the Rockford Area Pride Committee: The Rockford Area Pride Committee brings visibility to the LGBTQIA+ community in the Rockford region through advocacy, education, and fundraising for charities that support LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. More information is available at www.RockfordAreaPride.org


For more information, please contact:

Andrew J. Mertzenich

Co-Chair

Rockford Area Pride Committee

815-420-8261

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