Previous Worlds AIDS Day performance             Photo: Broad Street Ministry

P.S. It was a good day all around. More than 375 people savored the food and entertainment during World AIDS Day at the Broad Street Ministry. Dozens of those in attendance also took the opportunity for rapid HIV tests.

"The strength of the event continues to grow every year," expressed Convening Minister Bill Golderer, "more people being tested, more music, more artistic breakthroughs, more and more attendees and participating organizations.  We feel as though it couldn't be better-until next year of course!"

The original article appears below.

The public is invited to celebrate World AIDS Day on Tues, Dec. 1 in the Broad Street Ministry located at 315 S. Broad Street. Once again from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Philadelphians will show that they know how to throw a family friendly event.

On top of a free pasta dinner there will be entertainment and art, commemorations and rapid HIV screenings as well as HIV/AIDS counseling. Some 300 – 500 guests are expected to take in the event, which this year features the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus; Smoke, Lillies and Jade; and much more.

About 100 people are expected to also take part in rapid AIDS tests. But it is not about the numbers, says Bill Golderer who is the convening minister of the Broad Street Ministry. For him, it is all about people. “It’s a real interesting cross-section of Philadelphians who come to this event and,” explains Golderer, “who also participate in the testing.” He cares that guests span the racial/ethnic gamut in addition to diverse economic classes because HIV/AIDS does not discriminate.

A total of 20 organizations including the Broad Street Ministry, the Sapphire Fund, and AIDS Fund banded together, many for the fourth time to sponsor Philly’s World AIDS Day celebration. The event often attracts folks who want to remember loved ones departed and celebrate today’s survivors. After all vast numbers of people have been touched by HIV/AIDS. In that aspect, the event’s sponsors are no different.

Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus                                    Photo: Broad Street Ministry

Many organizations in Greater Philadelphia commit themselves 365 days a year to addressing hardships related to HIV/AIDS. So much so, Golderer believes, that there is no time to look at the bigger picture.

“Where are we fitting in globally,” he wonders. “Where are we at locally? How do we celebrate [areas] where there are strides being made? How do we pay attention to where we need to dig in a little deeper?”

Golderer feels, “[T]his annual event gives people the opportunity to take a step back for perspective on both how much progress has been made and how far we really have to go.” Standing among event participants living productive lives with HIV is certainly a testament to the progress achieved.

Back in the 1980s, Golderer recalls, AIDS Day was viewed as the “day without art” because of all the suffering and loss created by the disease. That is one reason the Philly celebration is entertainment-filled. Today when the virus is detected early and managed appropriately, people in the arts and in most walks of life survive to carry on. Golderer is happy to declare, “We want to celebrate that by bringing some of the art back.” He wants all Philadelphians to join this meaningful expression.

More than 20 organizations participate annual World AIDS Day event. Photo: Broad St. Ministry

Plus, as many people as desire can participate in HIV/AIDS education and testing to curb infection rates. New infections in the U.S. average one every 9 ½ minutes. About 20% of these people are unaware of their HIV status, which makes testing critical. It may open the gate to a longer life.

An estimated 30,000 people in the Philadelphia region are currently living with HIV. No cure exists but HIV is treatable when diagnosed.