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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: 1050 Connecticut Ave NW,Suite 65500,Washington, DC 20035,Phone: 202-393-5177

Commemorating World AIDS Day 2010

WASHINGTON

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force commemorates World AIDS Day
with a commitment to continue working toward the "eradication of
ignorance, intolerance and HIV/AIDS."

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"World AIDS Day is a grave and important occasion for all people. Now
into the third decade of this bitter epidemic, we have no cure and our
nation is still waiting for more resources and less ignorance. The
epidemic has not gone away for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender community or any other community.

"Despite a lack of attention to HIV/AIDS in recent years, state and
local municipalities must recognize that HIV/AIDS continues to be a
significant, life-threatening condition that affects the entire
community and disproportionately burdens gay and bisexual men. We are no
longer alone in fighting this disease like we were 30 years ago, but as
a community we must engage our partners on a national level. The
federal government recently published its National HIV/AIDS Strategy,
which calls for greater cooperation between our community and the
government. It is incumbent upon us to answer this call to action and
work with our partners across the country to continue fighting this
epidemic.

"Today, we take time to honor the many warriors who have dedicated
their lives to the fight against HIV/AIDS. We mourn all the people we
have lost and we acknowledge with great sadness the reality that
thousands more will become infected during the coming year, with no end
in sight. We vow to continue working toward the eradication of
ignorance, intolerance and HIV/AIDS."

The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!