World Aids Day

The Denver metro area comes together to commemorate World AIDS Day on Tuesday, December 1 at Park Hill United Methodist Church (PHUMC). The event is free for the community. Since 1988, communities across the globe have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity. World AIDS Day exists to shine a light on the real experiences of people living with HIV today, celebrating the strength, resilience, and diversity of the communities most affected. On December 1, World AIDS Day will raise awareness about HIV, honor those who have died of AIDS, and celebrate medical and social progress in confronting the epidemic.

​

The evening begins at 6pm with a catered reception and resource fair featuring over a dozen organizations working in or supportive of HIV resources, the LGBTQ+ community, and more. 

​

The evening’s program follows at 7pm. One of the highlights will be a chance to “wander” throughout the sanctuary at PHUMC where there will be multiple activations to remember loved ones and lift up those affected by HIV and AIDS. Colorado House District 8 representative, Lindsay Gilchrist, will welcome those in attendance. Lindsey is currently the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee in the Colorado General Assembly.

 

Throughout the evening, music will be performed by the World AIDS Day Ensemble, led by Daryl J. Walker, Minister of Worship & Arts with Park Hill United Methodist Church, as well as Jerome Síbulo, Director of Music & Arts Ministry with Trinity United Methodist Church.

The evening’s program will feature two inspiring speakers. Andrew Pulsipher is a Family Consultant with the Children’s Hospital Immunodeficiency Program and serves on the Denver HIV Resource Planning Council. Born with HIV, Andrew lost both of his parents to AIDS during childhood. Today, he brings his lived experience and professional perspective to his work supporting others impacted by HIV. He is also a proud father of three children. Rica “Muñeca” Rodriguez, is the Founder and Executive Director of Promotores de Esperanza. Rica has been living with HIV since 1989 and undetectable since 2000. She is formerly incarcerated, a woman in long-term recovery, a proud Latina, a mother, and a fierce harm reduction and community advocate who has transformed some of the hardest chapters of her life into pathways of hope for others. 

   

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Office of STI/HIV/Viral Hepatitis, 15,997 people were living with HIV in Colorado as of December 31, 2025. Behind that number are individuals with families, friendships, hopes, and stories that deserve to be heard. HIV is more than a public health statistic; it is part of the lives of our neighbors, loved ones, and communities. World AIDS Day is an opportunity to come together to remember those we have lost to AIDS-related illnesses, celebrate the lives of people living with HIV, and recognize the generations whose compassion, advocacy, and resilience have shaped our response to the epidemic. This year’s theme, “Rebuild. Rethink. Rise.”, invites us to strengthen the connections that bring us together, reconsider how we care for and support one another, and move forward with hope and purpose. As we gather, we honor the progress made while recognizing that stigma, grief, and challenges remain. Above all, World AIDS Day reminds us that every person matters, every story has value, and no one should have to navigate HIV alone.