Today on World AIDS Day, remember our loved ones, dear friends, and acquaintances, who passed away from complications from HIV/AIDS. Light a candle and remember their spirit and the joy they brought to our lives. The fight is far from over. Now, as we enter the fight against HIV/AIDS fourth into 2012, there is still no cure, but strides are being made.
World AIDS Day is important as it reminds us and government officials that HIV has not gone away. There is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education, and it should not be forgotten in the midst of all the other epidemics in the world, both in the U.S. and internationally.
President Obama this morning announced that within the United States, where more than 1 million people live with HIV, he plans to to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to increase funding for HIV and AIDS treatment by $50 million. “The bulk of the new funding — $35 million — will go to state programs that help people living with HIV and AIDS get medicine,” according to the AP. “The rest of the domestic funds will go to HIV medical clinics across the country, with an emphasis on areas where infections have increased, and care and treatment are not readily available. Officials said the additional clinic funding would give 7,500 more patients access to treatment.”
Back in October of 2006, Michael Fairman produced for the Outfest Honors, their inaugural Legacy Tribute commemorating the first 25 years of AIDS through film, television and documentary productions and performances,that through these stories brought to light issues of the day about this disease to not only the LGBT community, but to the world.
Watch the 2006 Outfest Honors Legacy Tribute, 25 Years of AIDS Retrospective video below.
Brian Greene says: 
Robert in Jersey City