Brigstowe and more mark World AIDS Day 2021

World AIDS Day has been held every December 1st for over three decades.

Since the first event in 1988, people across the globe have used the day as an opportunity to raise awareness of HIV prevention, combat stigma against HIV+ people, and raise much needed funds to continue their year-round charitable efforts.

In collaboration with a number of other charities and organisations, Brigstowe have arranged a number of events to mark the occasion, as well as raise awareness for the support available in Bristol.

Here’s a round-up of what’s on and how you can get involved.

Thursday 25th November

From 7-8pm, Aled from Brigstowe will be joining the ShoutOut Radio team on BCfm for a special World AIDS Day Takeover full of HIV themed conversation.

November 25th, 7-8pm. Tune in live on BCfm 93.2FM or online at bcfmradio.com

Friday 26th November

Queenshilling are hosting a fabulous fundraising night! Expect Queenshilling’s trademark mix of great tunes and great dancing, all in aid of Brigstowe’s vital work for HIV+ people in Bristol.

November 26th, Queenshilling, 10pm-late. Tickets £5 on the door.

The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence are often seen at World AIDS Day events in Bristol. Image via Brigstowe.

Saturday 27th November

Join in Bristol’s World AIDS Day Celebration event at Watershed. This event features important updates from Bristol Fast Track Cities, Unity Sexual Health Services and Common Ambition Bristol about their work, as well as personal testimonies from members of Bristol’s HIV+ community.

The Terrance Higgins Trust will be on hand to give sexual health advice, condoms and other safer sex materials, and information on HIV testing events, and Sing Out Bristol will be performing too.

To make the event as accessible as possible, it will also be broadcast live on Zoom.

November 27th, 6pm – 8:30pm at Watershed and on Zoom: register your attendance on Eventbrite

Sunday 28th November

It’s time for Drag Bingo at Bristol Bear Bar, and this month’s event is dedicated to World AIDS Day, all in aid of Brigstowe!

November 28th, Bristol Bear Bar, 4pm – late

Brigstowe provide vital support to people in Bristol living with HIV. Image via Brigstowe.

Tuesday 30th November

Brigstowe are offering a free HIV Awareness Training Session, to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with HIV. The session will cover the difference between HIV and AIDS, explain HIV transmission and how to prevent it, provide information on modern treatments, explore stigma and prejudice, and inform you on how to get tested and available support.

November 30th, Easton Community Centre, 1pm – 3pm: Register for tickets here

At Watershed, Brigstowe’s More Than 3 Letters event is bringing powerful personal letters to light. The event features readings of letters written by people living with HIV, addressed to themselves on the day they were diagnosed, answering the question “If you knew then what you do now, what would you tell yourself?”

November 30th, Watershed, 6:30- 7:45pm. Register for tickets on Eventbrite.

Ashton Gate Stadium is lit up for World AIDS Day 2020. Image via Brigstowe.

Wednesday 1st December

On December 1st, City Hall, Ashton Gate Stadium and Bristol Temple Meads will be lit up in red to mark World AIDS Day.

Terrence Higgins Trust Bristol will have a World AIDS Day stand at UWE Bristol SU, where they will be giving out red ribbons, sexual health information, and information on HIV testing.

December 1st, UWE Bristol SU building, 10am-2:30pm (exact timings TBC)

World AIDS Day is an important time to remember and grieve for those we have lost to HIV and AIDS. In the evening of World AIDS Day, a number of speakers, as well as the Bristol chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, will gather for a candlelit vigil. Attendees are invited to bring any reflections, thoughts, or readings they would like to share.

December 1st, St James’ Priory, 6:30pm – 7:30pm. To attend, register here.

To learn more about the work Brigstowe does and the support available for people living with HIV in Bristol, click here.

Main image via Brigstowe

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