The Story behind the Red Ribbon
The AIDS Awareness Ribbon, or red ribbon, is commonly seen adorning jacket lapels and other articles of clothing as a symbol of solidarity and a commitment to the fight against AIDS.
The Ribbon Project was conceived in 1991 by Visual AIDS, a New
York-based charity group of art professionals that aim to recognize and
honour friends and colleagues who have died or are dying of AIDS.
Visual
AIDS encourages arts organizations, museums, commercial galleries, and
AIDS support groups to commemorate those lost to AIDS, to create greater
awareness of AIDS/HIV transmission, to publicize the needs of Persons With
AIDS, and to call for greater funding of services and research.
The colour
red was chosen for its "connection to blood and the idea of of
passion — not only anger, but love, like a valentine," says Frank
Moore of Visual AIDS.
- Care and concern: It is being worn by increasing numbers of
people around the world to demonstrate their care and concern about
HIV and AIDS — for those who are living with HIV, for those who are
ill, for those who have died and for those who care for and support
those directly affected.
- Hope: The red ribbon is intended to be a symbol of hope —
that the search for a vaccine and cure to halt the suffering is
successful and the quality of life improves for those living with the
virus.
- Support: The red ribbon offers symbolic support for those living with HIV, for the continuing education of those not infected, for maximum efforts to find effective treatments, cures or vaccines, and for those who have lost friends, family members or loved ones to AIDS.
But red ribbons are not enough.
The red ribbon is only a useful symbol in the long run when attached to words and deeds that actually make a difference. If you are offered a Red Ribbon, you are asked to take it and wear it as a tribute to the millions of people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS worldwide. Anyone can wear a red ribbon. You don't have to be HIV positive or living with AIDS to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS.
The red ribbon project is a grass-roots effort.
There is no
‘official’ Red Ribbon. You can make your own to wear.
Wearing a red
ribbon is the first step in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
It can be worn
on any day of the year, but especially on World AIDS Day.
The next step is to do something more.