Piece written by Tony Huynh, HIV Policy Intern at Georgia Equality.

Each year on December 1, communities around the world pause to honor World AIDS Day. It is a day of remembrance, education, and renewed commitment in the global response to HIV and AIDS. First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day was the very first international health day, created to raise awareness about the HIV epidemic, address stigma, and support people living with or affected by HIV.

World AIDS Day 2025 is uniquely different, though. For the first time since its founding, the federal government has decided to not recognize World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day reminds us of the millions of lives lost to AIDS related illnesses, the strength of people living with HIV, and the efforts of activists, caregivers, and medical professionals who have worked for care, dignity, and justice for more than four decades– and the choice of the federal government to ignore this meaningful day is especially disrespectful amid the ongoing challenges to our collective fight to end the HIV epidemic.

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Transgender Day of Remembrance & Resilience, observed on November 20 each year, is dedicated to honoring the lives of our transgender siblings who were lost due to anti-trans violence, discrimination, and stigma. 

Piece written by Noël Heatherland, Statewide Organizing Manager at Georgia Equality.

When I was asked to write something for Georgia Equality for this year’s TDOR, I paused to consider the direction I wanted to go: Trans Day of Resilience or Trans Day of Remembrance. I ultimately chose both. Life is nothing if not duality. Especially in these times. Trans and gender expansive people are some of the best at holding space for it all. We know what it’s like to go to funerals in the morning and go dancing in the evening. Continue reading →