World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. A day that was established in 1988 and is recognized every December 1 to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity for us to mourn those who have died from the disease.

Twenty-six years ago, just two days shy of his 30th birthday, the best friend I had ever known died from AIDS-related complications. Eric L. Jordan was the epitome of a ride or die friend. We met while in college, and from the time our paths crossed until the day God called him home, we were inseparable. Eric was the type of friend who always had the getaway car running, was down to go anywhere at any time, and was never afraid to love out loud. His being gay never bothered me, but I saw how others would whisper behind his back and look at him with caution. This would anger me, and I didn’t like it. It actually made me very protective of my friend, and I remember very early on envisioning a world where people could truly live freely and not in hiding or in fear of being judged.

I remember when the words “AIDS” and “HIV” became a part of our vocabulary. I remember when AIDS was declared an epidemic. It was 1981, people were scared, and the cruelty hurled towards members of our LGBTQIA+ community was deplorable … and in many ways, it still is. When AIDS came crashing down in our world, I worried about my friend's safety. They say the 60s was an era of free love, but that hasn’t slowed down as the decades have progressed, no matter how many cautionary messages are shared by healthcare professionals, family members, and friends.

Thinking back to those days, I really believe we all envisioned a cure was coming, that it was right around the corner, so we didn’t have anything to worry about. We were so wrong. AIDS entered our lives 40 years ago, and the World Health Organization still uses the word epidemic to categorize its impact. While medical advances have created pathways for those diagnosed to live longer, AIDS is still a part of our world, and by the looks of things, it always will be.

So, as we honor World AIDS Day and the lives of those who have been impacted, let us all pause for a moment and share a collective vision of a world where AIDS no longer exists and a society that doesn’t judge who or how you love.

I miss my friend, but I’m so thankful for the memories he left me. Forty years is too long for an epidemic to last. Let’s join together and vision a world where a cure is found, and AIDS is no more. We deserve this.