PORT ANGELES — The Rainbow Alliance, a new club for gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and asexual students at Peninsula College, will hold a World AIDS Day candlelight vigil at 5:30 p.m. today (Sunday) in downtown Port Angeles.
Everyone is welcome to join the gathering in honor of people who lost their lives in the fight against AIDS, said Crystal Wayman, president of the Rainbow Alliance.
Participants are invited to wear red, the color symbolizing support for those living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
The alliance will provide candles for the vigil at the Conrad Dyar Memorial Fountain at First and Laurel streets.
“We are gathering to honor those lost and to raise awareness,” Wayman said.
“We want to spread the word that AIDS isn’t just a gay disease and is one that all human beings should be aware of.”
Hot tea, coffee
Good to Go Grocery of Port Angeles is sponsoring hot tea and coffee to keep vigil participants warm, Wayman said.
Donations will be accepted to benefit local AIDS education and testing at Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest’s Port Angeles health center.
Also related to World AIDS Day, Planned Parenthood will offer free HIV testing this week.
On the North Olympic Peninsula, tests will be available at the organization’s clinics at 426 E. Eighth St., Port Angeles, and at 675 N. Fifth Ave., Sequim, starting Monday and continuing through next Friday, Dec. 6.
For more about World AIDS Day, observed Dec. 1 around the globe since 1988, visit www.WorldAIDSDay.org.
For information about the Rainbow Alliance, email adviser Janet Lucas at jlucas@pencol.edu or Wayman at crystal.wayman@smail.pencol.edu.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
