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World AIDS Day

I was going to simply post the picture of a red ribbon to mark the day today.

But then a friend of mine told me yesterday about World AIDS Day: "Don’t really have any response to it, I’m afraid. Feel like I’ve done my bit." His former partner is HIV+

My response was:"It's not about response, it's about taking part. The response is expected from governments and society. It's a way to remind them that there is still work to be done I think while remembering "our" dead."

More controversially perhaps, and with reference to Armistead Maupin's ideas on Desert Island Discs this morning, the day could also almost be seen as a day of thanksgiving for what the advent of the "gay placgue" did to advance the LGBT cause.

AIDS both forced and allowed society to talk about LGBT lives. It made us visible and showed us as caring and grieving people not that dissimilar from members of the norm.

The epidemic also had positive repercussions within the LGBT community. The sense of anger, frustration and helplessness that many faced in the first few years led to the creation of tighter bonds, new organisations and support groups and networks. To an extent, it also rejuvenated the gay liberation movement.

However to you mark the day, whatever your reason to take part, be safe.

World AIDS Day
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