“In the 1980s, we lived through nearly a decade of neglect under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, so we know how to organize, to advocate and care for our own, and to marshal local and state support when the federal government abdicates its responsibility,” said Irwin Rappaport, FAM’s Board Chair.

Approximately 200 people stood amidst the tall bronze Traces, illuminated like a candlelight vigil, to hear stories of loss and survival from members of the APLA Health Writers Group, a group founded in 1989.  The program of stories was curated by former West Hollywood Poet Laureate Brian Sonia-Wallace. After the storytelling program, local members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence gave a short blessing for the Monument.  Following welcome remarks from Irwin Rappaport, the West Hollywood Mayor and City Council spoke about the importance of World AIDS Day, fighting for federal funding and demanding federal leadership on AIDS.

You can watch a short video recap of the event here.