Promise for the Future

Marking 25 Years of HIV/AIDS

 June 2006 marks 25 years since our community was first impacted by HIV/AIDS. This is a moment to remember those we have lost and to thank those who have fought.

This is also moment to make or renew our commitments to help prevent the spread of HIV. Some of us have already made this promise. Some of us have never been asked.

The Reality: You have more power to stop the spread of HIV than any medication or prevention ad. HIV prevention works because people like you make a commitment to protect yourselves and others. Together our actions make a big difference.

 What promise can you make?

Whether tiny or huge, the point is to make or renew a personal commitment that helps you or others prevent the spread of HIV.

Together we can build a future full of promise where HIV is rare and those of us with HIV have the support we need.

HIV In San Francisco:

The number of new HIV infections in San Francisco is going down! This is a tremendous accomplishment by gay, bi and trans men in the City. Together we can capture this momentum to help stop the spread of HIV.

• 19 people get infected with HIV every week in San Francisco, on average.
• 1 in 4 gay or bi men in San Francisco have HIV.
• 1 in 5 HIV positive men don’t know they are positive.
• People with HIV are living longer and healthier lives with new treatment options. Despite these advances, every year more than 300 San Franciscans die of AIDS-related illnesses.
• Almost 18,000 San Franciscans have died of AIDS-related illnesses since the beginning of the epidemic.
• Each of us has power to help prevent HIV and promote health in our community, whether we are negative or positive.

Data provided by the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

Promise for the Future: A Public Art Installation

May 11-30, 2006
Castro and 18^th Streets

If you wish, attach your promise for the future as part of the public art installation at Castro and 18^th Streets. You can also attach names and messages for someone who has passed. If you would like someone to attach your message for you simply send email or call 415-575-0150 x 227.

Please join us for a
Community Forum on HIV at 25

Thursday, June 1, 2006
7-9pm
Eureka Valley Recreation Center
100 Collingwood Street
(cross street 18^th St.)

Come to listen or to share your thoughts about HIV at 25 or your promise for the future.

Why an iris?

You may have noticed several iris flowers in the Castro neighborhood as a part of marking 25 years of HIV/AIDS. The iris flower is symbolic of life, hope, healing and strength in many cultures including Egypt, India, Japan, and Europe. The iris is named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow who brought messages between the heavens and earth and helped usher souls to the afterlife.

Together we can build a future filled with promise.