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The AIDS Awareness Ribbon, or red ribbon, is commonly seen adorning
jacket lapels and other articles of clothing as a symbol of solidarity and a commitment to
the fight against AIDS.
The Ribbon Project was conceived in 1991 by Visual AIDS, a New York-based charity group of
art professionals that aims to recognize and honor friends and colleagues who have died or
are dying of AIDS. Visual AIDS encourages arts organizations, museums, commercial
galleries, and AIDS support groups to commemorate those lost to AIDS, to create greater
awareness of AIDS/HIV transmission, to publicize the needs of Persons With AIDS, and to
call for greater funding of services and research. Inspired by the yellow ribbons honoring
American soldiers of the Persian Gulf War, the color red was chosen for its
"connection to blood and the idea of of passion -- not only anger, but love, like a
valentine," as stated by Frank Moore of Visual AIDS.
Worn by host Jeremy Irons, the ribbon made its public debut at the 1991 Tony Awards, and
soon became a popular and politically correct fashion statement for celebrities and other
awards ceremonies. Because of this popularity, some activists worry that the ribbon has
become simple lip service to AIDS causes; in one particular incident the First Lady
Barbara Bush wore a red ribbon while sitting in the audience with her husband, but when
she stood at the President's side during his speech, her ribbon was conspicuously missing.
However, the Ribbon Project remains a powerful force in spreading awareness of AIDS and
stressing the need for further action and research of the disease. The sincerest hope for
the Ribbon Project is that it will one day no longer be needed.
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