Biden honors lives lost to AIDS with memorial quilt at the White House

On December 1, 2024, President Joe Biden organized a significant event at the White House to honor World AIDS Day. The AIDS Memorial Quilt was displayed on the South Lawn for the first time during his presidency, serving as a poignant tribute to the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses. Biden was joined by his wife, Jill, along with survivors, family members, and advocates who all came together to memorialize those affected by the epidemic. During the event, the president highlighted the federal government's ongoing commitment to support the approximately 1.2 million individuals living with HIV in the United States, emphasizing the importance of awareness and understanding surrounding the disease. Biden spoke about the historical significance of the AIDS movement in America, noting, "This movement is fully woven into the fabric and history of America." He praised the efforts of advocates and survivors, acknowledging how they have changed perceptions and saved lives across the country and worldwide. As part of the remembrance, 124 sections of the quilt were placed on the lawn, each section representing an individual who suffered due to AIDS. The quilt, which was conceived in 1985, made its debut public appearance in 1987, and serves as a powerful symbol of loss and hope in the ongoing fight against the epidemic. In addition to the quilt, a red ribbon—an emblem of support and awareness for those living with HIV and AIDS—was draped across the South Portico of the White House. The event also served as a reminder of the global reach of the epidemic, with an estimated 40 million individuals worldwide infected with HIV. Notably, Jeanne White-Ginder, who lost her son Ryan White to AIDS in 1990, introduced Biden at the event. Ryan White became a key figure in the fight against the disease, as his story brought national attention to the AIDS crisis and underscored the necessity of fighting stigma against those living with HIV. Biden acknowledged Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was actively involved in AIDS treatment efforts prior to his departure from government service in 2022. Fauci's presence highlighted the scientific community's long-standing commitment to combating the epidemic, and despite facing criticism for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic, his legacy in the fight against AIDS remains significant. The Biden administration is focused on making proactive investments to end the epidemic and combat the stigma associated with living with HIV. This includes expanding access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a preventive treatment for at-risk populations, which the administration sees as critical in reducing new HIV infections in the country.