Latest Pride news
HIV: No blame, no shame, no crime
Published: 27/08/07
Manchester Pride draws to a close this evening with the HIV Candlelight Vigil in Sackville Park from 9pm.
It is estimated that six people are infected with the HIV Virus every minute. The Candlelight Vigil is an opportunity to remember the people we have lost, and join the fi ght against the worldwide epidemic. Last year more than 4,000 people attended the closing ceremonies, and even greater numbers are expected tonight. The vigil will include very special readings, musical performances and poetry on the theme of remembrance.
The vigil is organised by the George House Trust (GHT) in association with Manchester City Council. They’ve already taken part in Saturday’s parade, advertising their new campaign “HIV : No Blame, No Shame, No Crime”, which aims to challenge the stigma and discrimination around HIV. GHT Chief Executive Michelle Reid says “The George House Trust HIV Candlelit Vigil has become the closing event of Manchester Pride, and we’re proud that our communities continue to remember the thousands of people we’ve lost, whilst celebrating and supporting people living with HIV today. This year’s vigil will once again bring a fi tting and memorable close to Manchester Pride 2007”.
The vigil starts at 9pm tonight in Sackville Park with Manchester’s Lesbian and Gay Chorus singing “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent”. Host Jonathan Mayor will then highlight GHT’s campaign of No Blame, No Shame, No Crime and Mike Pollard from Canal Street’s Taurus bar will give a reading from Mark Doty’s poem, “My Alexandria”.
Drew Stokes from Manchester Pride, Cllr Paul Fairweather from Manchester City Council and Dunkan McLean from GHT will all address the audience and initiate the Candle-lighting for one minute’s silence.
Nicolas Boisselle will sing “Bring Him Home” from the musical “Les Miserables”, Siobhan McSweeney will read from “Prayer On Aids” by Tony Kushner and Angie Brown will finish off the evening by singing “I am blessed”. It’s always a moving event with a wonderful atmosphere of togetherness and hope, providing a fittingly emotional finale to the Pride festival.
