Yakima Pride to Honor World AIDS Day with Films, Fun and “RENT”

Thankfully, we've come a long way from the outdated and harmful views toward people living with AIDS. The auto-immune deficiency syndrome hasn't been cured, but it has definitely become a disease that is no longer life-threatening.

A Powerful Look at HIV Awareness and Community Support ❤️‍

There were 17 new cases of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in 2024, according to an HIV surveillance report from the Washington State Department of Health. As VISUAL AIDS+ says, "AIDS is still out there", and having unprotected hook-ups is still dangerous. While education is what saves lives and lives saved need to know they have a community that loves and supports them.

"Data from the new 2025 Washington LGBTQ+ Survey Report reveals that nearly half (47.8%) of 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians have avoided seeking medical care because they expect to experience discrimination. This event aims to counter that stigma by fostering a space of community and understanding."

That's why on Monday, December 1st, the nonprofit Yakima Pride is very excited to host World AIDS Day at Valley Mall. There will be short film screenings from all over the globe, fiber art on showcase, plus special musical performances from the hit Broadway show, RENT, and more.

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All Kinds of Pride Flag Buttons! Photo Credit: Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

Coming Together for Love, Safety, and Fabulous Community

Community members of all cultures are invited to come together and focus on creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for people living with AIDS in the Yakima Valley. This event is also a chance to celebrate being fabulous!

This is a sample of what to expect at the event:

Yakima Valley College Players will sing, dance, and entertain us with songs from the hit Broadway musical, RENT.
View 31 unique crafted quilt panels normally housed in the AIDS Memorial Quilt collection.
International Short Film Screenings from: Day With(out) Art: Meet Us Where We're At : a collection of short films from Puerto Rico in America to short films from Nigeria, Vietnam, Brazil and Portugal, Chile and Brazil, Peru, and Germany. (Not suitable for younger viewers due to strong content and language).
Guest speakers and a community discussion will also be included in the World AIDS Day celebration.

For more info and register for a free ticket, check out the link from Yakima Pride.

The Yakima Pride World AIDS Day event in collab with Visual AIDS is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Valley Mall in Union Gap, at 2529 Main St.

Photo Credit: Alex Jackman on Unsplash