On December 2, 2024, the Housing Works community gathered for our annual Reading of the Names to commemorate loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, causes the body to attack its own infection-fighting cells. Due to a weakened immune system, untreated HIV can develop into AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS quickly became epidemic in early 1980s amongst gay men; from the first reported case in 1981, approximately 20,000 Americans died from the disease through 1988.
Relentless advocacy from the queer community and its allies caused the originally reluctant US government to dedicate funds for the research and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It was through this advocacy and government action that we discovered how HIV becomes AIDS, how the diseases spread, prevention practices including safe sex and syringe use, and developed the life-saving medications we use today.
In 1988, December 1st was nationally declared World AIDS Day. In 1990, Housing Works was founded with the belief that stable housing was the key to (1) HIV-positive people living healthy and fulfilling lives, and (2) preventing further spread of the virus. On World AIDS Day in 1995, Housing Works held our first annual Reading of the Names as an act of civil disobedience. Loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS during the epidemic were commemorated for 24 continuous hours as their names were read aloud.
This past year for World AIDS Day, over 140 members of Housing Works came together for our annual Reading of the Names. From 10am to 6pm, a group of volunteers simultaneously read from a list of over 30,000 community-sourced names, trading off with the next volunteer group every 20 minutes.
This annual event serves as a powerful act of remembrance and resistance, where we collectively mourn loved ones lost and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for those still living with HIV/AIDS.Housing Works Advocacy Team
For more information on Housing Works' advocacy, visit our advocacy page today.
