World AIDS Day 2024: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future

Today, December 1, 2024, marks World AIDS Day, a moment to reflect, raise awareness, and honor those affected by HIV/AIDS. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a realtor, I feel it’s not only my responsibility but my privilege to share this day with you.

This day is about more than just awareness—it’s about the friends, family, and loved ones we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS. Their stories remind us why we continue to fight for education, equality, and access to healthcare. It’s also about celebrating those who are thriving today—individuals living with HIV who are breaking barriers, sharing their experiences, and inspiring others to stay hopeful and informed.

Why This Matters to Me
I wear many hats: realtor, makeup artist, trained chef, and, most importantly, a proud LGBT individual. I want to inspire others, especially young people, to know they can be unapologetically themselves while chasing their dreams. Whether it’s selling homes, creating art, or cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, we all deserve a world where we can thrive.

But thriving starts with understanding our past and building a better future. The progress we’ve made in combating HIV/AIDS is remarkable, but there’s still work to do. Today, I reflect on the incredible resilience of those who paved the way and the amazing support systems that exist to help people live long, healthy lives.

What Can You Do?

• Get Educated: Learn about HIV prevention and treatment. Knowledge is power.
• Get Tested: Regular testing is a crucial step in ending the spread of HIV.
• Support Organizations: Many groups work tirelessly to support those living with HIV/AIDS. Consider donating or volunteering.
• Start Conversations: Talk about HIV/AIDS with your family and friends to help normalize the conversation.

Let’s honor the lives lost by continuing to build a future where education, acceptance, and opportunity prevail. Together, we can ensure that more people not only survive but thrive, becoming the mentors, leaders, and role models the world needs.

Thank you for taking a moment to reflect on this important day with me. Remember, the world is always better with more love, understanding, and representation. And if you’re ever looking to buy or sell your home, I’m just a call away—because representation matters in real estate, too.