30th annual commemoration set for December 1st

Friday, December 1st will mark the 30th annual international observance of World AIDS Day. This year’s international theme is “Increasing Impact through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships.” Several events will take place throughout the community to honor those living with HIV, and to remember those who have lost their lives while living with HIV/AIDS.

On November 29th, Star Track will host a World AIDS Day Holiday Craft Night for youth from 6 to 9 pm at Star Track (120 Penn Street, Baltimore). Enjoy a night of holiday ornament crafting and chill time in honor of World AIDS Day with free snacks, music, lots of craft supplies along with ornament tutorials. Free and confidential HIV testing will be available. More at facebook.com/events/1924371470925002.

On November 30th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, the Baltimore City Health Department’s IMPACT campaign, in partnership with Star Track at the University of Maryland, welcomes you to the city’s bravest biannual storytelling event, shining a spotlight on the LGBTQ community and its healthcare providers. This edition brings never heard before stories of Baltimoreans who, despite considerable fear, have found the courage to live out loud and in full color. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., light refreshments will be served, as attendees are able to engage with representatives from local healing efforts, research programs, and meet artists prioritizing holistic health for all. From 6:30 to 8:30 there’s sharing of stories, along with a special performance by a rising Baltimore jazz singer, W.M. Keith Pierre. RSVP Baltimoreinconversation.app.rsvpify.com.

At Frederick Community College, a World AIDS Day event will be held November 30th at the Student Dining Hall (7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick) from 6 to 8 pm. Longtime advocate Chris Camp will emcee an evening of friendship, food, drinks, and an interactive World AIDS Day Jeopardy contest with prizes, and featuring drag divas K.C. Florence and Tiffany Dee Knight. Free onsite HIV testing and free HIV home test kits will be available. They encourage you to bring an unexpired canned or boxed food item to donate to the Deacon’s Food Pantry at the Church of the Brethren. All are welcome. More at facebook.com/events/1417732441675115.

“Celebrating Our Lives: A World AIDS Day Showcase” is set for November 30th, from 6 to 9 pm at the Real News Network (231 North Holliday Street, Baltimore). The event will include a mixer from 6 to 7 pm, and an artist showcase from 7 to 9, including performances by J. Pope, Mary Bowman, Symantyx, Aaron Gene, and Rodney Watson. They encourage attendees to bring an unwrapped toy. The events’ partners include the Black Treatment Advocates Network, Center for Black Equity– Baltimore, AIDS Residential Services (AIRS), and the Community Cares Project. The event is free. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.com and search for “Celebrating Our Lives: A World AIDS Day Showcase.” For details, contact akil.patterson@aidshealth.org.

On December 1st, from 12 to 2:30 pm, the Center for AIDS Research will hold a World AIDS Day Symposium at Johns Hopkins Hospital (Becton-Dickinson Hall, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore). The event will include an HIV science update by Dr. Allison Agwu of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a presentation titled “Life Course Perspective of Sexual Risk for Black Gay and Bisexual Men” by Dr. Derek Dangerfield of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a presentation on “Baltimore in Conversation” and “Project Presence” by Yvonne Kingon of the Baltimore City Health Department STD / HIV Prevention Bureau, as well as networking and lunch. The event is free and open to the public.

On December 1st, from 1 to 5 pm, Total Health Care will have free food, free fun, and free confidential HIV testing at Mondawmin Mall (2401 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore). For more info contact Mark Baker at 410-338-6927 or mbaker@totalhealthcare.org.

The Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore (401 West Monument Street, Baltimore), will host a World AIDS Day Gospel Celebration on December 1st, at 7 p.m. For more info contact info@mccbaltimore.org.