Summary

Circular white badge inscribed 'World AIDS Day December 1st'.

Collected during the 2005-2006 Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay Transgender Collections Survey, a joint project between Museums Victoria, State Library of Victoria and the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives.

World AIDS Day was founded in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise public awareness about HIV/AIDS issues, including the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS and for continued education and prevention initiatives. The World Aids Day organisation describes the red ribbon as 'an international symbol of AIDS awareness. It is worn by people all year round, and particularly around World AIDS Day, to demonstrate their support for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. It is also a symbol of commitment to challenge the stigma and prejudice surrounding HIV/AIDS.'

Physical Description

Circular white badge with pink squiggle down centre and outline of Australia against blue background. Blue inscription around edge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back.

Significance

Collected during the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay Transgender Collections Survey, a joint project between Museum Victoria, State Library of Victoria and the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives in 2005-2006. The project aimed for 'improved knowledge, representation and interpretation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender material in public collections. It aimed to promote the development of strategies for encouraging discussion and awareness of homosexuality in the mainstream community. It also aimed to begin to provide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Victorians with a sense of inclusion in the broader story of our heritage. The survey has provided an opportunity for the celebration of political and social achievements, and recognition of the tenets of equal opportunity and human rights for all Victorians.' (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Material Survey Project Report, Kate Davison, 2006).
These documents provide an important record of community activity within and beyond the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities in Victoria in the period 2005-2006. They show a breadth of activities, including tours, exhibitions, research projects and political movements, across organisations ranging from the AIDS Care Association to the Midsumma Festival.

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