Stigma and discrimination are the major obstacles to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Fear of discrimination may prevent people from seeking treatment for AIDS or from acknowledging their HIV status publicly. People with, or suspected of having, HIV may be turned away from health care services, denied housing and employment, shunned by their friends and colleagues, turned down for insurance coverage or refused entry into foreign countries. In some cases, they may be evicted from home by their families, divorced by their spouses, and suffer physical violence or even murder. The stigma attached to HIV/AIDS may extend into the next generation, placing an emotional burden on children who may also be trying to cope with the death of their parents from AIDS.

With a focus on stigma and discrimination, World AIDS Day 2002 will encourage people to break the silence and the barriers to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Only by confronting stigma and discrimination will the fight against HIV/AIDS be won.

Please join AIDS Volunteers, Inc. (AVOL), the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington AIDS Ministry and Woodland Christian Church in raising our voices together to fight the stigma and inspire a compassionate response for those who face the challenges of HIV/AIDS:

Sunday, December 1, 2002:

3:00 PM Video Presentation of “Belinda”, Panel Discussion and Reception, Lexington Public Library, Main Branch, Theater

At 3:00 we will show “Belinda”, a production of Appalshop Films (29 minutes). Belinda Mason, who lived her life in Eastern Kentucky, became infected with the HIV virus in 1987. Funny, down-to-earth, and never self-pitying, Belinda speaks of our need for a collective response to AIDS which is not crippled by racism, homophobia, fear or ignorance. She decided to go public with her condition and spent the rest of her life as a powerful advocate for AIDS prevention, education, treatment, and human rights. Belinda talks about her own experiences dealing with AIDS and the support of her pastor to members of the Southern Baptist Convention. Belinda also comments on her role and responsibilities as a national spokesperson for people with AIDS. Following the film, we will have a panel presentation, discussion and reception.

5:30 PM A SERVICE IN REMEMBRANCE AND HOPE: This ecumenical worship service is for persons with AIDS, for their family and friends, for those in the healing professions, for those who are angry and afraid, for those who wish it would go away, for all those who have been affected by HIV. The service will begin at 5:30 PM at the Woodland Christian Church, 530 East High Street, Lexington.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: A candlelight processional and vigil will take place immediately following the service, approximately 6:30 PM. The vigil will be held at the Pavilion at Woodland Park. For those not attending the Worship Service who still wish to participate in the candlelight processional, there will be another staging area at Common Grounds Coffeehouse, 343 East High Street, beginning at 5:30.

If you would like any additional information, please contact AIDS Volunteers, Inc. at (859) 225-3000.

Cathy J. Cox, Executive Director
AIDS Volunteers, Inc.
263 North Limestone Street
Lexington, KY 40507
Tel. (859) 225-3000 Fax (859) 225-9244

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Local AIDS services to be held on December 1

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