Many speak about the “AIDS crisis” like its over – something from the past. Yet, as a human family we continue to live in a time of AIDS. As of August 2024, an estimated 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV. Globally, 39.9 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2023.
The UN Theme for World AIDS Day 2024 links with the cause of human rights. “The world can end AIDS – if everyone’s rights are protected.”
From the global picture of AIDS in 2024 we then share local stories including the personal story of Robert Rygor (1953-1994) of ACT UP NY and his life of courageous activism and forceful love that transform hearts and history.
About Brendan Fay
Brendan Fay comes from Drogheda in Ireland. Brendan has campaigned for immigration reform, marriage equality, HIV/AIDS awareness, inclusive parades, policing reform, human rights and nuclear disarmament.
From 1990 Brendan was a leader in efforts to include LGBTQ Irish in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade. In 1994 he founded the Irish LGBTQ group Lavender and Green Alliance. In 1996 he co-founded Irish AIDS Outreach to help break the silence on AIDS. Following years of protests and arrests, in 1999, he began the ‘St. Pat’s for All’ parade in Queens.
Brendan has been a leader in the movement for marriage equality. In 2003 with Jesús Lebrón he co-founded The Civil Marriage Trail Project bringing couples across borders for civil marriage, including Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer whose US Supreme Court case (2013) led to the overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Brendan’s film work includes ‘Remembering Mychal’ (2021) and ‘Saint of 9/11’ (2006) about Fr. Mychal Judge, the FDNY Franciscan chaplain who died in the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. His award-winning film about pioneer priest John McNeill (1925-2015), ‘Taking a Chance on God’ (2016) has been translated into Polish, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. His current film ‘Our Son Robert’ tells the story of Robert Rygor (1953-1994) a leading New York City AIDS activist and LGBTQ community leader.
Brendan has a B.A. from Maynooth University (Ireland) and an M.A. from St. John’s University. Brendan taught in New York Catholic high schools and community colleges. He facilitates retreats and workshops in Ireland, Poland, England and the U.S.
An organizer with New York Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (NYCAN) he has testified in City Hall and at the United Nations.
For his work on human rights Brendan was a recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad presented by Irish President Michael D. Higgins on December 8, 2016.
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About Sunday Platform
Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest. Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Humanist philosophy. Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.
To watch previous Sunday Platforms, visit our Videos page and YouTube channel.
