Report by Diya Nicole Gurung | Photos by Nish Raven Manglanlan
In celebration of World AIDS Day, Safe Space Society (SSS) conducted an HIV/AIDS awareness seminar titled, “World AIDS Day 2024: Kolektibong AkSSSyon,” at the TSU Gymnasium last December 9.
Human rights advocate and guest speaker, Mr. Marc Joseph Pangilinan, discussed on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and delivered a talk on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC).
“In the late 1980s, the world was grappling with a mysterious and devastating illness. It didn’t care about borders, age, gender, nor status…Friends, that illness was AIDS,” Mr. Pangilinan said.
Moreover, he shared that World AIDS Day is a reminder that “the fight against HIV is not over.”
“From the very beginning, ‘World AIDS Day’ was more than just a date in the calendar, it was a chance to give a voice to those who have been silenced by stigma,” Mr. Pangilinan continued.
Moreover, Junior Chamber International-Tarlac City (JCI) Representative Lani Juanne Mae Puri shared about their project “Tarlac Lakbay-Pantay.”
Puri said it is a journey towards inclusivity and equality that aims to build a safe society where we no longer have to emphasize inclusivity for everyone is included.
Furthermore, the event featured a free on-site HIV testing, distribution of free condoms and lubricants, and free facial skin care treatment by Kanlahi Community Center. Archive Café gift cards were also given to chosen attendees.
The seminar was an interactive discussion between attendees, volunteers, and the speaker in raising awareness on HIV, AIDS, and SOGIESC.
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