Leaders, advocates, artists, and lifetime and long-term survivors lifted up the collective power of communities to shape progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS and advancing health and social justice. Through storytelling, art, activism, and intention, the programs honored those lost while shining a light on people and partnerships pushing the movement forward.

The National AIDS Memorial commemorated World AIDS Day with two powerful, community-centered events at the National AIDS Memorial Grove (“the Grove”) in San Francisco. Having entered its 35th anniversary year in September 2025, the Grove has long served as a gathering place for remembrance and inspiration, reflecting the overarching theme of this year’s events: Community Driving Change. Gilead Sciences served as the Presenting Partner of both events.

This year’s World AIDS Day events also took place against the backdrop of the federal government’s decision not to formally recognize World AIDS Day nationally. For the National AIDS Memorial, the moment underscored the essential role of communities, local leadership, and public institutions in carrying this work forward. John B. Cunningham, CEO of the National AIDS Memorial, noted that “the work of remembrance, equity, and justice has always been driven by the communities most impacted. While national recognition may falter, our commitment to honoring those we’ve lost and uplifting those living with HIV remains steadfast. The National AIDS Memorial serves as a reminder that this movement has always been—and continues to be—powered by people.”

Light in the Grove: Celebrating Leadership, Creativity & Community Power

Held on Sunday, November 30, Light in the Grove once again emerged as one of the Bay Area’s most meaningful LGBTQ+ fundraising events. The evening brought together a dynamic spectrum of community voices, showcasing how grassroots leadership and creative expression continue to drive meaningful change.

The night’s centerpiece was the Lifetime of Commitment Award presented to Race Bannon, honored for more than four decades of advocacy, writing, and leadership that have helped transform how communities talk about identity, health, and empowerment. The gala was emceed by Sister Roma, whose decades of visibility and activism embodied the evening’s spirit of community-led progress. Roma reminded attendees that grassroots voices have always been at the heart of response efforts.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of three garments from HIV Unwrapped, a global fashion-meets-science collaboration transforming HIV research into couture works intended to dismantle stigma. Presenters were both Karl Schmid of AOMedia/+TALK and Dr. Monica Gandhi of UCSF (who designed one of the outfits).

Guests experienced a moving reflection at the candlelit Circle of Friends, curated Quilt displays, and musical performances led by Thomas Kurtz, whose multidisciplinary work aligns performance, history, and social justice. Among those in attendance was Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who underscored the evening’s deep civic and cultural resonance.

World AIDS Day National Observance: A Call to Action for Collective Leadership

On Monday, December 1, the World AIDS Day National Observance convened national leaders, local officials, lifetime and long-term survivors, community advocates, and artists to affirm a shared commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and advancing health equity and social justice.

Dan Ashley, ABC-7 News anchor, served as emcee, guiding an inspiring program rooted in the transformative power of communities. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi opened the observance by honoring the role of community leadership in driving policy, innovation, and compassionate care. Pelosi remarked: “San Francisco showed that when communities organize and support one another to speak with one voice, they create models of care that ripple across the nation and around the world. On World AIDS Day, we honor the millions of beautiful souls stolen by this vicious virus, and we remember the work that remains to achieve our shared dream of an AIDS-free generation.”

Pelosi’s message set the tone for remarks from San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who reaffirmed the city’s commitment to achieving zero new HIV infections. Lurie stated: “On World AIDS Day, we honor the San Franciscans whose lives were cut short by AIDS and the advocates, caregivers, and families who stood with them. San Francisco led when others failed to respond, building a compassionate system of care that became a national model. And today, we remain focused on the work ahead—to end new infections, end preventable deaths, and end stigma.”

Gilead Sciences CEO Daniel O’Day emphasized the essential partnership between scientific breakthroughs and community infrastructure. O’Day emphasized the importance of a shared vision for the path ahead, stating: “Scientific progress makes the strongest impact when paired with the expertise and leadership of the communities we serve. Together, we move closer to a future without HIV, driven by Science, Partnership and Purpose.”

The observance featured recognition of community champions whose work exemplifies the theme of Community Driving Change. Troy Brunet received the Thom Weyand Unsung Hero Award for his decades of volunteerism and advocacy as a long-term survivor. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were honored with the National Leadership Recognition Award, celebrating their pioneering and lifesaving activism dating back to the earliest days of the epidemic. A panel discussion titled “The Legacy of Artistic Activism” featured Thomas Kurtz, Matt Nadal, and Jahnell Butler. Together, they explored how performance, documentary filmmaking, and ballroom culture mobilize communities and advance justice movements.

Additional recognitions included Phil Ginsburg, San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department General Manager, honored for his steadfast partnership with the Grove over many years. Ginsburg will be leaving his position at the end of the year. Remarks were delivered by National AIDS Memorial CEO John B. Cunningham, who spoke to the impact of strong public-private partnerships. “The Grove thrives because of the people and institutions who believe in its purpose. Phil Ginsburg’s unwavering partnership demonstrates how public leadership and community stewardship work hand in hand to preserve history and inspire action for generations to come,” said Cunningham.

About the National AIDS Memorial

The National AIDS Memorial stewards the nation’s two largest and most significant AIDS memorials: the National AIDS Memorial Grove and the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Through storytelling, youth education, scholarship, remembrance, and community programming, the Memorial works to preserve history, confront stigma, and inspire action. Together, these memorials illuminate the enduring power of community driving change, ensuring the lessons of the epidemic shape a more just, compassionate, and equitable future.

For more information, visit https://www.aidsmemorial.org/

Supporting Details: HIGHLIGHT: HONOREES & SPEAKERS

John B. Cunningham — CEO, National AIDS Memorial.

Sister Roma — Gala emcee and celebrated advocate whose humor and visibility amplify grassroots leadership; Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Race Bannon — Lifetime of Commitment Award recipient; four decades of leadership in LGBTQ+ empowerment.

Troy Brunet — Unsung Hero Award recipient; long-term HIV survivor and decades-long volunteer.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence — National Leadership Recognition Award; pioneering responders and icons of queer activism.

Phil Ginsburg — General Manager, San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi — Longtime congressional leader and steadfast HIV/AIDS advocate since 1987.

Dan Ashley — ABC-7 News anchor, longtime LGBTQ+ ally, and program emcee.

Daniel O’Day — Chairman & CEO, Gilead Sciences; champion for scientific-community partnership.

Mayor Daniel Lurie — Mayor of San Francisco; advocate for achieving zero new HIV infections.

Panelists: Thomas Kurtz, musician and educator; Matt Nadal, GLAAD-nominated filmmaker; Jahnell Butler, ballroom leader and Associate Director of Trans Services.

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