World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day isn't technically until December 1, but given that it's a day dedicated for "individuals and organisations from around the world [to] come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic" seems fitting to mention it regardless of the date.

2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, and while we have come a long way since 1988, there is still much more to be done.

My students proved this to be true when they couldn't even name the various bodily fluids that can carry HIV, didn't understand why some sexual behaviors were risky ones, and admitted that they knew lots of people who resist getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including, but not limited to HIV, because "ignorance is bliss."

It seems that attention is still very much needed, as well as some clear, explicit conversation. Often, though, talking with such openness seems to be one of the hardest things for some people to do.

I hope people take this year's World AIDS Day to start and/or keep such coversations going.

The Universe of Keith Haring

Just like his life, Reel Affirmation’s screening of the film The Universe of Keith Haring was cut too short.


Due to some unspecified technical issue, the end of the film wasn't shown. I'm still bitter.

Hope Reel Affirmations will have things better together next year. :(