Just a reminder that December 1st is the 17th World AIDS Day.

Alicia Keyes will be headlining the Urban AIDS concert in Toronto tonight (Nov. 29th), featuring Nelly Furtado, K-os, Keshia Chante, Swollen Members and others.

World AIDS facts:

"According to UNAIDS estimates, there were 37.2 million adults and 2.2 million children living with HIV at the end of 2004, and during the year 4.9 million new people became infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. 95% of the total number of people with HIV/AIDS live in the developing world. But HIV still remains a threat to people of all ages and nationalities."

Here is a brief world overview . The situation in sub-Saharan Africa remains especially heartbreaking, where public education and lack of access to anti-retroviral treatment continue to be huge obstacles. Although this isn't mentioned in the article, even in Uganda, often upheld as one of the few success stories, HIV infections are increasing again in some parts of the country largely due to the kidnapping and sexual assaults on young women by members of the Lord's Resistance Army.

On a more personal note for World Aids Day, I want to remember my friend John who died of AIDS more than ten years ago. I knew him for only about a year, after becoming a volunteer with a local AIDS organization. I saw first-hand, for the first time, just how devastating the disease could be. And yet throughout most of this period, John remained cheerful and, although this may seem trivial, he taught me how to play cribbage (though I never beat him at it), one of the very few card games I enjoy.

I'm sure there are many Outsporters who have lost friends and loved ones to AIDS. This day and this thread seems like an appropriate place to share your stories.

My ex partner is a long time survivor. He has been positive since about 1982, and generally continues to do well. I think its because of his fiestyness, but all around a really good guy, who would help anyone do anything. We are still friends, and plan on going to see Blade "Trinity" togther too. wink