What Does the Red Ribbon Signify

The Red Ribbon is well known as the international symbol of HIV and AIDS awareness and is worn by people around the world. It was created in 1991 by the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus in New York.

The red ribbon stands for:

Care and Concern
It demonstrates to others their care and concern for those who are living with HIV, those who are ill, those who have died, and for those who care for and support those directly affected by HIV and AIDS.

Hope
It is intended to be a symbol of hope — hope that a successful vaccine or cure can be developed to halt the suffering of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Support
Wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon offers symbolic support for those living with HIV, for the continuing education of those not infected, for maximum efforts to find effective treatments, cures or vaccines, and for those who have lost friends, family members or loved ones to AIDS.

There is no official Red Ribbon. You can make your own to wear and it would be the first step in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It can be worn on any day of the year, but especially on December 1st for World AIDS Day.

However, Red Ribbons are not enough. It is only a useful symbol when it is attached to words and deeds that make a difference. Anyone can wear a Red Ribbon. You don't have to be gay or HIV-positive or living with AIDS to demonstrate that you have an awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS.

How Can You Get Involved?

How Can You Make a Difference?

Wear the Red Ribbon on December 1st.
Show the world you care that HIV and AIDS is still among us and that people, including many young people, are even now getting infected. Let those affected know that you understand and support them and the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Participate in a World AIDS Day event.
Take part in any of the events surrounding this global effort to raise awareness and much needed funds in the battle against HIV/AIDS. See how you can help locally to make a positive statement about AIDS.

Run your own World AIDS Day event.
Whether it's a dance at your school, a benefit at an art gallery, a red ribbon drive at your office or any other event that will draw attention to this important day, use your creativity!

Make a personal donation.
In these days of shortfalls in grant assistance and budget cutting by the government, it is more important than ever to secure private donations from the public to help fill the gap. Your donations will go a long way in quality of life assistance for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.