Los Angeles will mark World AIDS Day Thursday with screenings, discussions and events. But as its cities focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, Joel Goldman, managing director of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in Beverly Hills, said that he feels the U.S. has lost momentum in fighting the spread of the disease.
"I think there's a general feeling in the U.S. that HIV is not something that's still a major issue," Goldman told KPCC.
His foundation's focus this year: calling on the entertainment industry to increase the number of characters and storylines that educate viewers about HIV and AIDS, Goldman said. According to Goldman, there has been a "lack of engagement" when it comes to shows discussing the disease.
At a panel discussion on Wednesday night at 7 p.m., his organization will bring together representatives from SAG-AFTRA's National LGBT Committee, celebrities and HIV/AIDS activists to discuss the state of the fight against the spread of HIV in the United States.
"We've been stagnant," he said. "We still have a lot to do."
In addition to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation panel, bars, religious institutions and LGBT organizations across L.A. will commemorate World AIDS Day on Wednesday and Thursday with documentary screenings, art installations and a tree lighting. Here are few of those events:
Abbey Food & Bar: The 7th Annual Tree Lighting
https://twitter.com/ET_AIDS_FDN/status/804027438166515712
In honor of World AIDS Day, the Abbey restaurant/bar — known for its congregation of the LGBT community — will light a Christmas tree, in collaboration with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: The Abbey Food & Bar, West Hollywood | MAP
COST: Free
Greater L.A. Agency on Deafness: World AIDS Day Awareness
Join in on lectures with special guests and informational booths with the goal of spreading awareness about HIV and AIDS. Live entertainment will be provided by Deafies in Drag.
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 2, 5-9 p.m.
WHERE: Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Eagle Rock | MAP
COST: Free
Bienestar Human Services: Commemorate World AIDS Day
This 24th annual World AIDS Day event will be an evening to support those living with HIV or AIDS as a community — and those people have lost to HIV/AIDS.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 1, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
WHERE: La Placita Church, DTLA | MAP
COST: Free
Get Tested
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation provides a free HIV testing center locator on its website. Type in a zip code and find a testing site near you.
WHEN: Multiple days per week
WHERE: Health clinics around L.A.
COST: Free
Screening of 'Who's Gonna Love Me Now?'
https://www.facebook.com/iacforaction/videos/567420296778992/
This documentary features Saar, a 39-year-old ex-Israeli army paratrooper living in London, who finds out that he is HIV positive and embarks on a journey of reconciliation with his religious family in Israel.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 1, 6:30-9 p.m.
WHERE: 1200 N La Brea Ave, West Hollywood, California 90038 | MAP
COST: Free
Free Concert: Keep the Promise
https://twitter.com/common/status/803693080322908160
Before the concert, march with a huge crowd down Hollywood Boulevard. At the end, big acts including Common, JoJo and Patti LaBelle will entertain.
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 30, 5 p.m.
WHERE: March begins at Schrader Blvd. and Hollywood Blvd.
COST: Free