The annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held at 57 Hyde Street on 15 May to commemorate the lives lost throughout the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The day provided an opportunity to reflect on community advocacy that began over 40 years ago and acts as a reminder to continue working towards ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
SAMESH HIV Peer Navigator Craig Shrubsole said, “I think it is important for people in the community who want to share publicly and unite their memories.”
“It’s important that this space continues to be available to provide historical context, recognise and remember the millions of people affected in the last 40 years and the huge numbers around the world who continue to be impacted.”
This year’s AIDS Candlelight Memorial saw attendees sharing stories and lighting candles in memory of loved ones lost.
Volunteer Coordinator at SAMESH, Daniel Jeffries, said “The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a hugely important date in our community’s calendar.”
“It’s a chance every year for people to come together and share stories about loved ones. I think it’s also important to acknowledge the role that volunteers have played and that they often kept people company and cared for them in the early days of the epidemic.”
