10 Ways You Can Honor World AIDS Day

Every year, World AIDS Day comes and goes with so many activities and events it's hard to decipher which are truly unique, interesting, or can make a difference. We've identified a few that seem to be the cream of the crop. Read on to find out how you can make a difference, and have fun doing it.

ROCK

Every year, World AIDS Day comes and goes with so many activities and events it's hard to decipher which are truly unique, interesting, or can make a difference. We've identified a few that seem to be the cream of the crop. Read on to find out how you can make a difference, and have fun doing it.

ROCK

Lifebeat has been using music to encourage people to talk about HIV and AIDS for 20 years through fun, exciting concerts. In fact, the organization was at Madonna and Rita Ora concerts this year helping people understand how to protect themselves against HIV, and a portion of the proceeds from many of the shows went to continue sexual health and education thanks to Ticketmaster. Additionally, Lifebeat's Hearts and Voices program is an on-going live performance series featuring people with HIV and AIDS, producing about 250 concerts per year across the country. Visit Lifebeat.org to volunteer or go to a show. 

LOBBY

Forty-five countries still restrict people with HIV from entering their borders. UNAIDS is teaming up with CEOs from major worldwide companies like Levi Strauss & Co., Aetna, and the National Basketball Association to change that. They see such bans as a restriction that impedes business because companies must be able to send their employees and best talent overseas, regardless of their HIV status. "Restrictions on entry, stay and residence for people living with HIV are discriminatory and a violation of human rights," said Michel Sidibé, executive director of UNAIDS. Feeling fired up? Why don't you urge the CEO of your company to join the coalition? 

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