The Denver metro community is invited to come together to commemorate World AIDS Day on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at Park Hill United Methodist Church (PHUMC). This is a free community event and attendees are requested to register.
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, 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.
2026 marks the 11th anniversary of a World AIDS Day observance taking place at PHUMC. “Gathering in community could not be more important in this time of cuts to federal HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, and care support” shared Jess Wiederholt, chair of the event committee, and founder of Crazy Love Africa. “Observing World AIDS Day is just one way that local health providers, nonprofits, and faith communities are responding.”
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a catered reception and resource fair featuring more than a dozen organizations working in, or supportive, of HIV resources, the LGBTQ+ community, and more. “Last year we had a very positive response to the resource fair” shared Justin Levy, executive director of the Center for Health and Hope, one of the organizers of the event. “There are many amazing organizations and resources in the Denver metro area that are making a difference for people every day.”
The evening’s program follows at 7 p.m. 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. Formerly incarcerated, she is 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 all to strengthen the connections that bring everyone together, reconsider how to care for and support one another, and move forward with hope and purpose. As everyone gather, we honor the progress made while recognizing that stigma, grief, and challenges remain. Above all, World AIDS Day reminds all that every person matters, every story has value, and no one should have to navigate HIV alone.
Editor’s note: The event will be held Park Hill United Methodist Church, 5209 Montview Blvd. in Denver with catered food, beverages and a resource fair at 6 p.m.; followed with a program at 7 p.m.
To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-aids-day-observance-tickets-2002304640079
Event Committee Organizers (as of October 19): Center for Health and Hope, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Crazy Love Africa, Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Gilead, One Colorado, Park Hill United Methodist Church, Rocky Mountain Equality, The Center on Colfax, Trinity United Methodist Church, Viiv Health, Vivent Health and Walker Music Academy
Event Sponsors (as of October 19): Center for Health and Hope, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Crazy Love Africa, Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., First Baptist Church of Denver, Gilead, Global Livingston Institute, Iliff School of Theology, Mile High Behavioral Health, Montana de Luz, One Colorado, Park Hill United Methodist Church, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain Equality, Saint John’s Cathedral, Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Servicios de la Raza, Tepeyac Community Health Center, The Alexander Foundation, The Center on Colfax, The Church of the Holy Redeemer and the Pauli Murray Social Justice Coalition Center, Trinity United Methodist Church, United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy, ViiV Healthcare, Vivent Health and Walker Music Academy.
