Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530005
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 29 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS ON 1 December, Valletta will be hosting Malta's World AIDS Day (WAD) rally. This is already being considered as a histor- ic moment in the nation's fight against HIV stigma and advoca- cy for healthcare accessibility. AMONG the attendees, LG- BTI+ Gozo, the island's only queer organisation, will proudly join forces with other NGOs to honour those lost to the AIDS epidemic and stand in solidarity with individuals living with HIV. The rally, organised by a co- alition of NGOs, will assemble at 10:30am in front of Castille, with the official event starting at 11am. Participants will advocate for crucial changes, including free access to PEP and PrEP, and the universal right to HIV medica- tion and treatment. LGBTI+ Gozo has called on its members and allies to partici- pate, organising a group depar- ture from Gozo on the 9:45am fast ferry. Should inclement weather dis- rupt ferry services, alternative transport will be arranged for a limited number of attendees. Since its establishment in 2015, LGBTI+ Gozo has worked tire- lessly to promote equality, inclu- sion, and education for the queer community on the island. The organisation's advocacy extends to healthcare, with its ef- forts contributing to the opening of a GU Clinic at the Gozo Gen- eral Hospital in 2021, providing vital services for HIV-positive individuals and queer residents. "World AIDS Day is a remind- er of how far we've come in the fight against HIV, but also of how much further we need to go," said LGBTI+ Gozo on social media. "Joining this rally allows us to honour the lives lost, celebrate resilience, and demand equal ac- cess to healthcare for everyone, regardless of their status." HIV affects people from all walks of life, yet stigma and mis- information persist. The rally serves as a platform to raise awareness, promote comprehensive education, and push for greater accessibility to preventive measures like PEP and PrEP, which have proven ef- fective in reducing transmission rates. For those interested in attend- ing the rally alongside LGBTI+ Gozo, contact the organisation by November 29th to coordinate travel arrangements. About LGBTI+ Gozo LGBTI+ Gozo is a voluntary organisation committed to up- lifting the queer community through social events, educa- tional programs, and advocacy initiatives. With a strong membership base and partnerships with local and international organisations, it continues to bridge gaps in accessibility and fight for equal rights for all Gozitans. For more information or to support LGBTI+ Gozo's initia- tives, visit their website or follow them on social media. LGBTI+ Gozo joins Malta's first-ever World AIDS Day rally