2024 THEME
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a time for communities in all our diversity around the world to come together to honor the lives lost to AIDS, show support for people living with HIV the world over. This year, we will use this day to spotlight the impact of self stigma on the lives of people living with HIV and motivate commitment to go inward, to heal, so we can love outwardly through a powerful solidarity.
This year’s theme: Together we remember, together we heal, through love and solidarity! – encourages us all to remember those we have lost, while also emphasizing the need to heal from the internal wounds of stigma and discrimination. Through love and solidarity, we ignite a path of support, understanding, and acceptance for individuals and communities impacted by HIV. Together, we stand as one, fostering compassion and resilience in the face of adversity, and championing love and solidarity for a future where every person living with HIV enjoys their right to a healthy and dignified life, free from stigma and discrimination.
People living with HIV often face significant challenges due to persistent stigma and discrimination leading to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and isolation, preventing individuals from seeking the care and support they need. Our Stigma Index global report has highlighted that 84.8% of people have experienced internalised stigma. By addressing self-stigma we can help stop the perpetual negative language around HIV transmission, burst myths and misinformation about life with HIV, heal ourselves and end HIV stigma and discrimination that have long been a barrier to effective HIV prevention and treatment.
On this day we remind ourselves and our communities that we matter, that we are more than HIV, that we can love ourselves and be loved; that we can dream and achieve these dreams and that in solidarity we can build a stronger community that cares for one another.
It is time to change the narrative, speak boldly about self-stigma. The pain it causes us, the increasing need for mental health services, and the incredible power of self-worth, self-love, and solidarity impact how we access and use treatment and achieve quality of life.
TAKE ACTION
Whether you light a candle, write a letter or hold an event, please join us. By coming together in remembrance, healing, love, and solidarity, we can commit to reduce stigma and internalised stigma, support those affected, and honor the enduring resilience of individuals and families impacted by AIDS.
Here is a guide on other ways you can participate with us online:
WRITE A LETTER
Write a Letter to yourself or a tribute in memory of someone on the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial website.
Option 1: A tribute to someone you have loved and lost to HIV
- 3 things you loved about that person
- 3 things you want that person to know about how you continue to live or work with HIV
- A simple message for the world about what people can do to support you and people living with HIV
Option 2: A love letter to yourself
- 3 things you have done to hurt yourself and how can you make it right
- 3 things you love about yourself
- One piece of advice you have for yourself moving forward
Click on this link here to write your letter.
SHARE THE EVENT POSTER
Share this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial poster on your social media with the hashtag #AIDSCandlelightMemorial
SHARE YOUR EVENT WITH US
As a call in the days and weeks prior to the memorial, share your event with us by completing this form, and we will share it with the world.
USE A ZOOM BACKGROUND
When sharing your memorial day actions on social media please include our official hashtags
- #AIDSCandlelightMemorial
- #WeRemember
- #WeLiveBeyondHIV
- #InternalisedStigma
and tag our social media handles:
Join us as we spread love and solidarity, to build stronger communities at this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.