Toronto ON: This year marks the 40th anniversary of the AIDS Candlelight Vigil in Barbara Hall Park, where communities will gather to commemorate and honor those lost to AIDS as well as celebrate those living with HIV.
Communities have gathered for 40 years to raise awareness about the reality of HIV and AIDS which continues to impact the most marginalized members of society, including 2SLGBTQ+ people, throw light on the stigma associated, and advocate for more equitable access to HIV prevention and treatment.
The vigil will, as always, be hosted at Toronto’s historic AIDS Memorial .
When: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Where: AIDS Memorial, Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.]
Time: 9 p.m. onwards
The evening is dedicated to reflecting on 40 years of honoring the stories of loss, struggle, community, progress, and dignity.
Hosted by long-time HIV activists John McCullagh and Natalia Malunga , the evening will feature a drumming performance, song and dance performances, the reading of new names added to the memorial, and a candlelight vigil.
Just the facts:
- The annual AIDS Candlelight Vigil is organized by a committee of volunteers from AIDS service organizations and our communities. The 519 is proud to serve as the trustees of the AIDS Memorial.
- The AIDS Memorial opened in 1993 and was designed by city architect Patrick Fahn.
- 17 names have been added to the AIDS Memorial in 2024, bringing the total to 2,916 names.
Contact:
Rebecca Hooton (she/her)
RHooton@The519.org
Spokesperson are available to speak in English and French.
Vigil Partners:
The 519 • Casey House • 2 Spirited People of the 1 st Nations • Action Positive • The Teresa Group • Black CAP • ACT • Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS) • Fife House • People with AIDS Foundation • Canadian AIDS Society • Pride Toronto • Center for Spanish-Speaking Peoples • PASAN