Hundreds of students ““ all clad in black T-shirts with red
ribbons, the symbol of HIV/AIDS ““ marched into Bruin Plaza on
Friday in celebration of World AIDS Day, an event created to
promote knowledge and sharing of one’s HIV status in order to
end the spread of AIDS.
As the sea of black made its way to the center of campus,
T-shirts were thrown to passing students with cheers of “Come
follow us,” and “Know your status.”
“We’re here today to celebrate life and think about
all the people affected with HIV/AIDS and what we can do,”
said Taneen Jafarkhani, who helped lead one of the three
processions and is the community education director for Dance
Marathon.
“Kiss and Tell,” the theme for the day, was
advertised to encourage healthy sexual practices through increased
communication between partners.
Students at the rally said they believe World AIDS Day is an
important event because the disease affects people around the world
and is rapidly becoming an epidemic.
More than 40 million people are affected with HIV/AIDS in the
world today, leading to over 3 million deaths in 2006 because of
the disease.
“AIDS is a disease that hits the entire world,” said
Aviva Altmann, director of Dance Marathon, who stressed that AIDS
awareness is crucial because the disease is extremely
preventable.
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“We can stop the disease from new infections. It just
takes spreading the word and getting involved in the cause,”
Altmann said.
Dawn Everitt, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1988, spoke in Bruin
Plaza on Friday and praised students for educating themselves about
HIV/AIDS. She said that by going out and getting tested students
are helping “take all the shame, blame and stigma out of
(AIDS).”
The daylong celebration included a performance by the band The
Elevators, guest speakers, rapid anonymous HIV testing units and
numerous workshops and art exhibits. There was also a candlelight
vigil at the UCLA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Campus
Center.
All activities were organized by the UCLA AIDS Institute, the
World Arts and Cultures Department, Dance Marathon and several
other organizations and student groups.
Student organizers said the day was a success because students
were informed about HIV/AIDS prevention and education just by
stopping at the rally in Bruin Plaza.
Altmann said she believes the band and the energy of the crowd
helped draw onlookers and focus attention on the positive things
students can do to help prevent AIDS, rather than focus on the
stigma associated with the disease.
“Everything was upbeat and fun. We wanted to have a good
time and be out here celebrating,” she said.
Scientists learn new information each day about AIDS and ways to
treat and prevent the disease, said Versha Srivastava, co-director
for the AIDS awareness committee of the Student Welfare
Commissioner’s office.
People do not have symptoms during the initial stages of HIV and
it takes time to know that they may have the disease, she said.
Mobile testing units were available during the day and free
testing was available to students.
“It’s important to know your status so that you
don’t transmit the disease to others,” Srivastava
said.
Jake Glaser, a spokesman for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS
Foundation, which Dance Marathon directly benefits, said World AIDS
Day is beneficial because it promotes conversation among people due
to the its possible influence on their lives.
He added that AIDS education should happen on a normal basis in
everyday conversation, not just on specific days.
“It’s everything from events like this to two people
talking in the food court, which communicates that every little bit
helps,” he said.
Everitt also said students should not let their efforts in the
fight against AIDS end with the conclusion of the day.
“Go out and have conversations about HIV. We don’t
talk about it enough,” she said. “It doesn’t
matter who you are or what you do. There is power in knowing (your
status).”