On World AIDS Day (12/1/2021), FAM held its inaugural STORIES Circle event, entitled “Love, Light & Legacy,” in West Hollywood Park at the site of the future AIDS Monument.

The event began with a short program of welcoming remarks from Board Chair Irwin Rappaport and Board Member Stephen Simon, a story by event honoree Bruce Vilanch, and remarks by lead facilitator Rev. Dr. Steve Pieters.  Then we sat with each other for an hour of telling stories in the STORIES Circles.  At the end of the event,  we gathered in a large circle, where everyone joined hands and received a closing non-denominational prayer by Rev. Russell Thornhill (see photo).

The event also featured the unveiling of a bronze prototype of one of the Traces that will be the defining feature of The Monument

Many thanks to our facilitators — Rev. Dr. Steve Pieters, Abbe Land, Robert Gamboa, Dr. Louise Mebane, Cantor Juval Porat, and Board members David Hardy, Lane Janger and Stephen Simon — and our guest speakers Bruce Vilanch and Rev. Thornhill.

And  thank you to our friends at KNBC News, which covered the event.

STORIES Circle will become a regular event that builds community among those affected by HIV & AIDS and expands awareness of our Monument.  In the first half of 2022, FAM is planning to hold three STORIES Circle events in South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles and Hollywood, in accordance with its mission to gather stories from diverse parts of our urban community.  So please look out for these events to be promoted here on our website.