AEGiS-BAR: SF AIDS Candlelight Vigil Sunday: Renters to perform; historic PWA banner returns

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

SF AIDS Candlelight Vigil Sunday: Renters to perform; historic PWA banner returns

The Bay Area Reporter - Friday, May 14, 1999
Mark Norby

The AIDS pandemic has taken the lives of nearly 18,000 San Franciscans, the highest per-capita AIDS death rate of any city in the world. This Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. starting at the corner of Market and Castro streets, the annual AIDS Candlelight Vigil will bring together thousands to honor those lost to AIDS, the 25,000 San Franciscans still living with HIV and AIDS, and those committed in the fight to end the disease.

This year's AIDS hero honorees will carry the original vigil banner "Fighting for our lives," which became the motto of the people with AIDS (PWA) empowerment movement. The banner was used in the first march held in 1983, and was lost for several years, but was found recently in a basement archive.

"It's an historic symbol that has been used in marches and vigils all around the globe," Michael Lauro, chief organizer of the vigil, told the Bay Area Reporter. "Sister Kitty [Catalyst of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence] found it not too long ago and we're really excited to have this piece of history come back to us."

Dozens of groups from local churches, schools, businesses, teams, organizations, and persons affected by AIDS will lead the vigil procession from the Castro to City Hall. There, a program of music, performance art, and remembrance ceremonies will take place, as well as several performances by the cast of the Broadway musical Rent.

"Practically the entire cast of Rent will perform," says Lauro. "Rent's cast is a total of 31 performers, and 30 of them have confirmed. We're incredibly excited about this. They'll perform their hit number 'Seasons of Love' and other hits from the show."

The AIDS Candlelight Vigil is held in over 400 cities and townships around the world. The San Francisco vigil is presented by the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power/Golden Gate (ACT UP/Golden Gate), and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. A trolley car will be available for those unable to walk the distance of the procession.

To request a memorial name card or to volunteer, contact ACT UP/Golden Gate at (415) 252-9266.

990514
BR990507

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .