About this Event
World AIDS Day Observance
World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This special community event is all about raising awareness, remembering loved ones, and supporting our community, shining a light on the real life experiences of those loving with HIV, while celebrating the strength and diversity of the communities most affected.
The evening begins at 6pm with a catered reception and resource fair featuring over a dozen organizations working in or supportive of HIV resources, the LGBTQ+ community, and more.
The evening’s program follows at 7pm. One of the highlights will be a chance to “wander” throughout the sanctuary at PHUMC where there will be multiple activations to remember loved ones and lift up those affected by HIV and AIDS. Colorado House District 8 representative, Lindsay Gilchrist, will welcome those in attendance. Lindsey is currently the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee in the Colorado General Assembly. Throughout the evening, music will be performed by the World AIDS Day Ensemble, led by Daryl J. Walker, Minister of Worship & Arts with Park Hill United Methodist Church, as well as Jerome Síbulo, Director of Music & Arts Ministry with Trinity United Methodist Church.
The evening’s program will feature two inspiring speakers. Andrew Pulsipher is a Family Consultant with the Children’s Hospital Immunodeficiency Program and serves on the Denver HIV Resource Planning Council. Born with HIV, Andrew lost both of his parents to AIDS during childhood. Today, he brings his lived experience and professional perspective to his work supporting others impacted by HIV. He is also a proud father of three children. Rica “Muñeca” Rodriguez, is the Founder and Executive Director of Promotores de Esperanza. Rica has been living with HIV since 1989 and undetectable since 2000. She is formerly incarcerated, a woman in long-term recovery, a proud Latina, a mother, and a fierce harm reduction and community advocate who has transformed some of the hardest chapters of her life into pathways of hope for others.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Office of STI/HIV/Viral Hepatitis, 15,997 people were living with HIV in Colorado as of December 31, 2025. Behind that number are individuals with families, friendships, hopes, and stories that deserve to be heard. HIV is more than a public health statistic; it is part of the lives of our neighbors, loved ones, and communities. World AIDS Day is an opportunity to come together to remember those we have lost to AIDS-related illnesses, celebrate the lives of people living with HIV, and recognize the generations whose compassion, advocacy, and resilience have shaped our response to the epidemic. This year’s theme, “Rebuild. Rethink. Rise.”, invites us to strengthen the connections that bring us together, reconsider how we care for and support one another, and move forward with hope and purpose. As we gather, we honor the progress made while recognizing that stigma, grief, and challenges remain. Above all, World AIDS Day reminds us that every person matters, every story has value, and no one should have to navigate HIV alone.
World AIDS Day is sponsored by:
- Center for Health and Hope
- Crazy Love Africa
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Denver Alumnae Chapter)
- First Baptist Church of Denver
- Gilead
- Global Livingston Institute
- Iliff School of Theology
- Mile High Behavioral Health
- Montana de Luz
- One Colorado
- Park Hill United Methodist Church
- Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
- Rocky Mountain Equality
- Saint John's Cathedral
- Saint Thomas Episcopal Church
- Servicios de La Raza
- Tepeyac Community Health Center
- The Alexander Foundation
- The Center on Colfax
- The Church of the Holy Redeemer and the Pauli Murray Social Justice Coalition Center
- The Colorado Health Foundation
- Trinity United Methodist Church
- United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy
- Vivent Health
- ViiV Healthcare
- Walker Music Academy
Thank you to the organizations that committing many hours to making World AIDS Day memorable and meaningful. Committee organizations include:
- Center for Health and Hope
- Colorado Department of Public Health
- Crazy Love Africa
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Denver Alumnae Chapter)
- Gilead
- One Colorado
- Park Hill United Methodist Church
- Rocky Mountain Equality
- The Center on Colfax
- Trinity United Methodist Church
- Vivent Health
- ViiV Healthcare
- Walker Music Academy
Event venue & nearby stays
Park Hill United Methodist Church, 5209 Montview Boulevard, Denver, United States
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