Dear Friends and Pagani,

So Today is World Aids Day 2009.

21 years of world wide observances of this solemn, yet hopeful, observance.  People gather to remember the dead, and to commit to finding ways to fight this pandemic.  Whether it is through advocacy, volunteerism, or activism on behalf of people with AIDS and HIV, or the support of Public Health campaigns and Safer Sex education; this is also a time when people recommit to this important cause.

It is a source of sadness to me that the U.S. government, among many others, chose to largely ignore this disease in its early stages of emergence because its symptoms first manifested in Gay men.  Once its TRUE reach and scope began to make itself manifest THEN the governments of the world tried to play catch-up.  The truly sad thing is that it can take up to 10 years for the severe symptoms of HIV and Aids infection to manifest, so even if the governments of the world had responded in a swift manner, they were already doomed to be playing catch up.

There are 42 million people living with HIV/AIDS and 3 million deaths a year.  Thats a city the size of Chicago every year.

How to respond?

I have made an offering on incense to the memories and spirits of those who have died of AIDS and HIV complications.  I will also be offering up many prayers to the Gods, with some special attention to Antinous, Emperor Hadrian’s deified lover, and one of the Holy Queers whom I (and many, many, many, others) try to honor.  I will also see if I can offer money or service to any local HIV related charities.  I will offer up prayers for the guiding and guardian spirits of President Obama, and other world leaders that they may, not only remember the fallen and the lessons of the past but, find ways to effectively fight this pandemic.

Peace,

Pax

PS- Here are a few informational links…

And The Band Played On (Book and Wikipedia Entry)

World Aids Day – Ongoing Stigma Hinders HIV Prevention

HIV and AIDS Prevention

HIV and AIDS