AIDS ACTIVISTS ZAP HRC 1% GALA
February 2, 2015 – New York, NY – On Saturday night, activists from the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power (ACT UP) gathered outside the Waldorf Astoria at a gala sponsored by Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to honor Fortune 500 corporations.
Activists kicked things off with a pizza party and rally across the street from the Waldorf. Fifty activists attended in below-freezing temperatures to challenge HRC to do more in the fight against HIV. ACT UP members slammed HRC for not including any mention of HIV in their yearly Corporate Equality Index. They also demanded that HRC appoint an HIV liaison to the AIDS community.
One activist spoke about ACT UP’s critical role in the Plan to End the AIDS Epidemic in NY State by 2020 and how HRC could assist in lobbying Governor Cuomo for the budget to fund the Plan. Another ACT UP member addressed HRC’s silence on the dire situation of homeless LGBT youth in NYC and their elevated risk of HIV infection.
After the rally, protesters moved across the street and picketed the entrance of the Waldorf while surrounded by 20 members of the NYPD and Waldorf security. As well-dressed same-sex couples exited taxis and limousines to enter the Waldorf, they were met by ACT UP members chanting among other things, "HRC fight HIV, like the leaders that you claim to be."
After 30 min of picketing, members raised a giant sign over the sidewalk reading, "Dear Gay Inc., HIV Is Gayer and Younger than Ever" while chanting to incoming guests.
Earlier in the day, there were solidarity protests criticizing HRC in two other cities, San Francisco and Washington DC. Approximately twenty-four activists held signs and chanted outside the HRC Store on Castro St. in San Francisco. Among other things, activists demanded that HRC address the lack of affordable housing in the Bay Area.
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Source: AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP)
For Media Inquiries,
Contact:
ACTUPNY.com
Brandon Cuicchi,
(646) 284-2948
James P. Robinson,
(917) 578-3384
https://www.facebook.com/actupny/
Melanie Nathan (SF) – commissionermnathan@gmail.comcommissionermnathan@gmail.com
"Reproduced with permission - AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP)"
AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP)
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