December
World AIDS Day
December 1
What is World AIDS Day
Each year on World AIDS Day (December 1) we take time to reflect upon our worldwide response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic by remembering the millions we’ve lost over the past four decades, celebrating our achievements over the past year, and pledging to work in even more inclusive and innovative ways over the coming year.
World Aids Day and Your GSA
Celebrate World AIDS Day with your GSA by learning about the history, struggles and reality of those living with HIV/AIDS. Many young people in and out living with HIV struggle with the stigma of HIV/AIDS. When many are open about their status they can face exclusion and rejection from their peers, teachers and parents of other students. It is important to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS because there are many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS that lead to the rejection and exclusion that people living with HIV/AIDS face. Whether someone is open about their status or not, it is important that your GSA takes the time to learn about the reality of HIV/AIDS in order to spread awareness and create a better understanding that will dispel the fears and prejudice people have againsts folks living with HIV/AIDS.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3
What is International Day of Persons with Disabilities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. Among lesbian, gay and bisexual adults, 30 percent of men and 36 percent of women also identify as having a disability. The disability community intersects with every other minority group, and the LGBTQ community is no exception. Like people in the LGBT community, people living with disabilities are often excluded, questioned and teased because they look and act differently than what is expected. Like all folks living with intersecting identities that create problems that are often invisible to others without the same experiences, it can be difficult to find a space where they are accepted and seen fully. In celebrating this day, we bring awareness to this struggle and work hard to create a space where everyone is included.
IDPWD and Your GSA
Is your GSA inclusive of members with disabilities? LGBT people with disabilities often report that it is challenging to have their identities fully recognized. In spaces focused on disability, their unique experiences as LGBT people may not be recognized. And in LGBT spaces, services and facilities may not be inclusive or accessible, including having accessible buildings or restrooms, ASL interpretation and/or CART captioning for deaf or hard of hearing people, and more. Part of the work in GSA is to make sure that we create a safe and supportive space for everyone involved. In your GSA, we ask that you take the time to understand the experiences of LGBT people living with disabilities and work to make sure your club is as inclusive of people with disabilities as it is for those without. Please look at the resources on the left to start you on your journey on disability awareness and inclusion.