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Welcome this afternoon to the AIDS candlelight memorial ceremony. My name is Roger. I'm a member of body positive, and I'm a staff member in Auckland. I'm also a Unitarian church minister. And just before I give you the notices about, um, where the toilets are, I'd like to read part of a statement from the Unitarian Church. Um, because I've been, um, accosted by two people who've left [00:00:30] because of my presence. So, um, I have as much right to be here as any of you do. This was made in 1989 by the Unitarian Universalist Assembly in America because the member congregations of the Unitarian Universal Association have affirmed and covenant to promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person and justice, equity and compassion in human relations. [00:01:00] Because we reject the fear and loathing of the human body and sexuality instilled by some religious traditions, and we reject the notion of disease as divine punishment or natural retribution for moral failure. We resolve that health care must be for all The statement called upon individual Unitarians and member congregations [00:01:30] and affiliated organisations and on the religious community at large to work with compassion and imagination to care for people living with HIV. So there may be some religions who have blood on their hands. Um, the Unitarian church doesn't have blood on its hands. So I'm here as a person living with HIV, an ordained minister of a Unitarian church [00:02:00] and a staff member of body positive. Yeah. So I was diagnosed in 2005. Um, and I've I think this is the third time I've come to Wellington. So also, you'll notice in your service sheet or your ceremony sheet. Sorry, I shouldn't use a religious word. Um, at the back of the room, there is a memory book. The tree has been turned into a memory book. So we you see tree [00:02:30] where you're going to write your little things on a tree, And I think it's, um and the yes wishing tree The wishing tree has become a wishing book. So made by, uh, Gerard out of a a set of drawers. I don't know what he had in the drawers before he made it, but it's a beautiful book, so I think that's all I needed to say. So now we have the wonderful [00:03:00] our group to sing for us of [00:03:30] [00:04:00] [00:04:30] [00:05:00] and now we have the reading from political parties. Um, is there I mean, we've got a real politician here, so I suppose we should start with you, Grant. Um uh, I'll start by reading the the message [00:05:30] that I've got in front of me and then I might say one or two other brief things after that message to the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 21st of May 2017 from the leader of the Labour Party, Andrew Little to all who are gathered together today for the 2017 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. I send my support and to body positive positive women, the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and all those who helped organise these events and undertake the important work on HIV and a I SI. Thank you. [00:06:00] Each year on this occasion, my mind turns to the people of my generation who were young men and women As the world became aware of AIDS and who did not survive into their middle age as I have, I mourned for them and I think of their friends and families who saw them die from a disease. We did not fully understand events like this and symbols like the quilts that have been made around the world are our public to memorial to what are also deeply felt. Private losses [00:06:30] to those friends and family. Please know that your loved ones are remembered As the decades have passed, we have learned far more about HIV and A I DS. But still there is so much more to do. The theme of this year's international AIDS Candlelight Memorial is ending AIDS together around the world. 33 million people are living with HIV today through international solidarity, access to medicines, education and reducing stigma. We can rid the world of HIV and [00:07:00] A I DS here at home. The New Zealand AIDS Foundation have launched the ending HIV campaign. I was proud to sign the New Zealand Labour Party up to that campaign at the big day out in February. This is an ambitious campaign to end transmission of HIV by 2025. We can do this together with a combination of safe sex education and practise early and regular testing and access to medicines including prep. We can stop the transmissions, but it's a big ask and one [00:07:30] that all of us have to support with long term dedication and commitment. You have that from me and the Labour Party. I also want to acknowledge tonight those who are living with HIV living with a chronic illness is tough, but the more so with HIV, there is still significant stigma attached to positive people. We can only break that down by talking and listening. As one positive person has said, you can live with the virus, but the stigma will kill you emotionally. I encourage [00:08:00] you to talk about HIV. That's the only way we can fight the stigma. So to all those living with HIV, I acknowledge you your courage and I give you my support. So all of us on this international AIDS candlelight Memorial Day join together and say for the sake of all of those who have gone before, we can end HIV and AIDS together. Andrew Little, leader of the Labour Party. That's Andrew's um, message to you today. Jo may or may not have [00:08:30] had something to do with writing. I just wanted to say a couple of things, Ron, um, and Leslie asked me to to say a couple of things today and I won't speak for too long because there are a number of other other people to speak today. But I was reflecting, uh that when I came out to my mother to nearly 26 years ago, something like that. The very first words she said to me and she's a lovely and understanding and supportive woman were don't get AIDS. [00:09:00] And I think at that time in the late eighties, early nineties, that was the message that a lot of young men coming out would have got from their parents. And I think now about the stigma that was attached then and now to HIV and AIDS. And there was a, uh there's a series of stories on the New Zealand AIDS Foundation website about people living with HIV, and one of the one of the people in there talks about dusting off the cob webs of 30 years of stigma. [00:09:30] And I think the time is now right to do that. We never forget those people who lost their lives, the people who were our heroes, who were our friends, who were the people who faced an incredible disease at a time when we didn't understand it. We never forget them. We mourn their loss, and we remember them every day. But we also live today. We live today in a world where, as as [00:10:00] it was said in Andrew's note, the stigma might kill more than the virus. So let's make the thing that we take away as we stand here in in 2017 that we must end the stigma. We must say that living with HIV is a chronic illness. It's something that requires management support, access to resources. But it's also a life, a good life, a life that we can support. So let's get rid of the stigma. After 30 years, [00:10:30] celebrate the community that we are today support positive people who are all around us and remember those who've gone before. And now we have a message to be, um, from the Governor General to be read to us today. This is a message for the AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2017 from the right, Honourable Dame Patsy Whitty, Governor general of [00:11:00] New Zealand, as governor general and patron of the AIDS Foundation, I send my best wishes to everyone taking part in the AIDS candlelight memorial this year. It is important to take this time to pause and honour loved ones, friends and colleagues, the people who died before their time and to show solidarity with those who are living with HIV. We can be thankful that medical treatments are now widely available in New Zealand, but we also know that complacency [00:11:30] is not an option. I commend the vital work undertaken by the AIDS Foundation to raise awareness about risky practises and to provide support wherever and whenever it is needed. Today, as you express solidarity with people at similar memorial gatherings around the world, it will be in the hope that people in those countries who countries who are living with HIV will receive the support and assistance that they need, whatever their circumstances, [00:12:00] we have two left, one from the, um the Green Party and one from the national Party. So whoever gets up here first can read it first. I'm not showing my political leanings there either. Uh, my name is I am also a man living with HIV, and, um, I'm going to be reading a message from [00:12:30] today from the greens and a bit like Grant. My mum also told me not to get AIDS. Oops, um, so to everyone attending the international AIDS can memorial. This memorial provides every year a special opportunity to pause, reflect and remember those we have lost to HIV and AIDS. The Green Party joins with you in this community act of collective remembrance. The last few years have unfortunately seen a rise of people being diagnosed with HIV AIDS. [00:13:00] We still desperately need health promotion work happening to ensure that people know the risks they faced. We must remain vigilant to HIV and AIDS in the hope that people do not have to continue suffering unnecessarily as treatments improve and people's quality of life continues to improve. Let us not forget the many talented and beautiful people we have lost too soon to this pandemic. I wish to acknowledge all of those that have stood by their friends and often painful journeys. It can be a long and lonely path. [00:13:30] In a many people living with HIV and AIDS have been gay or bisexual men who have faced the double jeopardy of prejudice associated with their illness and sexual orientation. The Green Party is proud to have always taken a strong stand against such prejudice and to have played a role in making things better, We will be continuing this needed work. We remain committed to working towards a world without prejudice and seeing that the people get the medical and social support that HIV and AIDS people have required a loving [00:14:00] memory of those taken too soon. Co-leader of the Green Party like I, I I'm just like to read out a, uh a letter from the right Honourable Bill English uh, Prime Minister of New Zealand message to the uh 2017 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service. Today we pay tribute to those New Zealanders who have died from HIV and AIDS at the annual Candlelight Memorial Service. [00:14:30] I would like to offer my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones to the disease. I know some of you here tonight will be living with the disease and want to know that there's hope. This year's theme for the memorial ending HIV together aligns with NZ aids Foundation aspiration to make New Zealand HIV free. The government supports this aim and funds effective targeted prevention programmes to make [00:15:00] this a reality as part of the budget for 2017 and building on last year's record investment we invest. We're increasing pharma budget by another $60 million providing more New Zealanders with access to new medicines. Pharmac has begun begun consulting on a on a suite of anti-infective, including early access to four HIV antri vials benefiting [00:15:30] around 3000 New Zealanders. As prime Minister, I acknowledge the positive contribution body positive New Zealand makes to raising awareness in New Zealand and the work that they do for New Zealanders with HIV and AIDS. Thank you again for your good work. Uh, right. Honourable Bill English Thanks you. And now, Cal. Cal, would you like to [00:16:00] come up and share some of your story with us? Like Roger says, My name's Cal. I've been living with HIV for 13 years, 10 of which were not much fun. But the last three I've been helped to a healthier, happier place where I've found true friends and loved ones and guides, many of whom I see here today. Um, [00:16:30] I know it's all been said earlier, but a lot has changed since our people were struggling and dying of HIV and AIDS. For some of us, it seems not so long ago and I'm grateful for your experience and and I respect your resilience for those like me. It seemed so long ago so far removed from our present time where there was no news of AIDS in our sheltered land. [00:17:00] But it is still a major life event for those of us who are infected. I know a lot of people don't like that word. Um, and and it's a killer for an unlucky few of us in New Zealand. You know, some of us, some of our Kiwi women who have lived without risk and are therefore not at risk, are too often not tested until they are sick. And, uh hm, [00:17:30] Yeah, and we have lost some some women, of course. As someone who has been a gay man and has transitioned and being a sex worker, I was certainly at risk. Um, when I was diagnosed seven years ago, I was ignorant of the reality our forebearers fought for. I was, um, ignorant of the combination therapy that can now reverse the effects of [00:18:00] HIV and the reality that we who are positive and aware of our health needs stand to live as long, if not longer, than those who choose to be ignorant. of the costs of modern food and modern lifestyles. Um, and it was mentioned earlier that I sort of jumped the gun a bit and say the latest factors that we who are stably medicated are not [00:18:30] infectious. We can't pass on HIV and, you know, and it's good for me to know that I no longer have what I termed as poisonous blood. We we are aware of our body's needs, you know? Therefore, we can live long, productive lives. But my ignorance at the point of diagnosis led me to disbelieve the specialists. My self loathing of my [00:19:00] dress choice. And, um, my sexual predilection led me to believe that I was cursed and I was doomed and I was gonna die. I felt I deserved the fate that was stealing my energy, wasting my muscles and corroding my skin. As the early effects of HIV became apparent, I began to give up on life, and I began to [00:19:30] drink a lot more and eat a lot less and, you know, smoke too much as well. But in hindsight, I got a taste of what it was like for our honoured dead. You know, um, mine was a bit psychosomatic. It wasn't actually real, but but I withered and disappeared. But those days of letting H I affect the victim before [00:20:00] treatment are now over. Uh, no. Others need to fade until their CD four. their CD four count reaches 300 like minded. Um, now, medical intervention. Well, hopefully pharmac will implement immediate medical intervention so no others will get sick and suffer the guilt and shame of looking like they have AIDS. You know, I lost. [00:20:30] I lost 13 kg. Um, I had trench mouth. I had trench foot. Um, and all my fillings fell out. So I did have little, little, little, um you know, nothing like what the people who came before us had, you know, just but still, to me, it was a big thing. But in reality, due to HIV, [00:21:00] I have learned to survive. And I have grown to to thrive through the wisdom hard, hard learned by our forebearers. I have become stronger than I was as a negative person. Through the support of our HIV networks, I have overcome my self hatred and destruction. I have become open about what was my killer secret. A secret that I kept from my family for five years. [00:21:30] I kept from everybody, my friends, family and all. So here I am, standing up publicly to say HIV is still here. Our rates of infection are still high, and the ignorance of the many is still creating stigma for the brave few of us who love our people enough to stand up and be HIV positive. So now, instead of hiding in the dark, away from memories [00:22:00] from public scrutiny and the judgement of my peers, I'm standing up to the stigma and discrimination that has lent AIDS and HIV aids the hidden status that it has now to creep once more among our people. I'm no longer the six sheep hiding in the shadows. I'm a proud woman in sharing my light, [00:22:30] loving my people, laughing and living with my friends, living the life I almost gave up on to the fullest of all my heart being strong for those who come after us and honouring those who came before us. Thank you all for listening. [00:23:00] Thank you very much. I just like I was a bit thrown at the beginning because I had to do that long thing up from the Unitarian Church. But I just wanted to tell you some of you know, the story about the style a few years ago, um, one of our members in, um, Auckland was dying. And, um, I journeyed with him through that that, um, process. And, um, he liked a bit of bling. So, um, I had this rather boring looking style that no bling [00:23:30] on it, and within a week, it had bling on it. So I was told I had to wear it at every HIV funeral or memorial. So that's another reason why I'm dressed up in church gown. So I'm sorry. I feel sorry for the people that left, but that's their choice anyway. Now, um, it's, um, time to ask Jason Myers to come and talk to us. [00:24:00] Uh, and thank you, K. That's certainly a humbling act to follow. Uh, my name is Jason Myers, and I'm the executive director of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. Uh, and it's my privilege and pleasure to be with you here in Wellington today. Uh, as the world gathers, uh, for what, uh is is an enduring event, the international AIDS Candlelight memorial, Uh, as an act of [00:24:30] global solidarity. Uh, it's It's a time for us to remember those gone before a time for us to break down barriers of stigma and a time, uh, to look forward with hope the world has committed to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 the theme for this year's memorial, uh, is fittingly ending AIDS together. The extraordinary accomplishments of the last 15 years, both in increasing access to HIV treatments and [00:25:00] reducing AIDS mortality in the developing world, has inspired a real global confidence that the idea of ending AIDS together is a realistic one agreeing on and then resourcing the how, uh is now the challenge, of course, and the next urgent step that must be taken. We in Aotearoa New Zealand have a special and unique opportunity to lead the way. Over more than three decades, this country was the first [00:25:30] to see a decline in AIDS deaths in the world and through over 30 years of health promotion, work and supporting people living with HIV, we have managed to maintain one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates in the world Today. The New Zealand epidemic is comparatively small and concentrated, and it is in this context that the potential to reduce, halt, reverse and ultimately end new transmissions [00:26:00] is a real possibility. At the same time, however, HIV is stubbornly evading control. Annual diagnoses have been steadily rising for five years, and 2015 saw the highest number of new infections recorded since records began. Sadly, the 2016 data, due to be released in just a couple of weeks, shows that rising trend continuing. I cannot emphasise [00:26:30] enough that if there was ever a time in this country's response to HIV for renewed commitment at the highest level and for urgent action, it is now. The opportunity is the is that the world of HIV prevention has been through nothing short of a revolution. Scientific breakthroughs have shown that treatment based prevention can complement existing condom promotion efforts to drive down and [00:27:00] ultimately end new HIV infection. We know, for example, that the risk of serious illness or death is almost 66% lower for those people who start treatment immediately upon diagnosis than for whom treatment is delayed. We also know that if people living with HIV can access medication, achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, then the risk of them transmitting HIV [00:27:30] through sex is removed. It is for this reason that pharmac must remove the current threshold for treatment access three years later than they should have. It is current. It is contrary to all WHO recommendations. And there are 34 countries in the developed world who already offer immediate access to HIV treatment. We should all welcome currents uh, pharmac current consultation and I encourage [00:28:00] all of you to engage in that process before the consultation closes this coming Friday. We also know that pre exposure prophylaxis the use of an HIV medication by HIV negative people in order to reduce their risk of HIV infection is extremely effective at preventing HIV and would have a significant impact on HIV incidents in this country if it was made available to those who need it. [00:28:30] Prep programmes are already bringing success in England, Australia and the United States and New Zealand must urgently act to make it accessible to those at highest risk of HIV. Of course, there is much to lose in the context of treatment based prevention. We must continue to promote condom use as the most effective HIV and ST I prevention tool at a population level for treatment as prevention To be effective, [00:29:00] we must also significantly increase the level of HIV testing for those most at risk finding the estimated 600 people living with HIV and a who don't know it, linking them to care and supporting them. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda, which this country is required to report progress against, is underpinned by the values of inclusion, equity and social justice. If, [00:29:30] as a sector in A, we can live these values, if we can secure urgent and renewed high level government commitment, if we can inspire, mobilise and work alongside key impacted communities if we can collaborate through innovative and progressive cross sector initiatives. If we can successfully challenge and remove HIV stigma and discrimination and provide better support to people living with HIV, [00:30:00] then we can end HIV transmission. In this country, there is much to be done, but for today, let us collectively honour celebrate love and remember those people who came before us as we leave here this afternoon, let it be our commitment to them that we will do everything we can to end AIDS together [00:30:30] and Now we're going to hear from two young two young people's perspective about, um, being gay and what they've learned about HIV A. I DS in New Zealand, and, um, there's two people going to read that isn't there. My name is Jacob. I was born in God 20 years ago. My life was turned up [00:31:00] down when I slept with an older man in a public toilet when I was 17. About six months later, I was told by a friend that this man died from HIV complication. I did not know where to turn. I went to the doctor and he ran a series. After a six month period for HIV and other sexual [00:31:30] transmitted diseases for a few months, I was angry that this man did not share his status even if he was on medication and may have been undetectable. There is always a chance in saying that I would still have had safe sex with this man. I made three calls to the AIDS Foundation line for support and information, and [00:32:00] two days later I received a return call that last four minutes and two weeks for pamphlets. Even today, I feel betrayed that even in our school system and country towns. Information is not readily available. People may say use the Internet, but 50% of the information is false or out of debt. Thank you for this opportunity [00:32:30] to share part of my story. Hello, everyone. My name is Nicholas. So I'm reading this on behalf of someone from Malaysia. So I am a 17 years old boy from Malaysia. I've known about HIV because I first knew that sex can cause several kinds of diseases. As I knew more about sexual related diseases, I eventually started hearing [00:33:00] about HIV, and that and that is common with gay and bi men. HIV is transmitted by NO sex, and I believe the reason why this happens is because a lot of people are desperate for an O sex, especially without a condom. Yeah, I know that they would like to feel each other's body body parts without a condom without knowing the risks for me. I'm always careful [00:33:30] who I have sex with and what type of sex will we perform? If everyone can do this, it will significantly reduce the number of HIV records in the future. Thank you. There's now an opportunity for anyone who'd like to share some words to come up the front and, um, share with us. Um, most of you know me. My name is Kayla. Um, [00:34:00] this is the first time I've returned to Canada for many, many years because I just got to overwhelmed for my friends part in the world. Um, most of us these days think our struggle is stronger, hurts more cuts deeper, does not do anything in comparison to what our friends went through or continue to go through. [00:34:30] Um, while I've been an avid supporter of safe sex, um, information networks, everything. For the last 30 years, I've been a supporter of the AIDS Foundation and, of course, the New Zealand prostitutes collective. Um, I just find it very difficult. What people do not actually support those living with the virus. It's all well and true to say, we support [00:35:00] to stop a I DS HIV. But what about supporting the people who are living with it? I'm not just saying words. Uh, we support you. How about a bit of Yeah, we'll we'll build this. We'll fundraise for you to make your life a little bit easier in these last days or whatever you might have. First of all, I want to excuse my voice. I'm very, um I haven't spoken in years at [00:35:30] one of these gatherings. It just brings up so many emotions. When they played the, um, list of names every second or third person on that list, I knew. Sorry, but, I mean, I've been around it for over 40 years and I had [00:36:00] a brother. His name was Garth. He worked in the, um, street area. Must be an idea. OK, One of the ladies who passed away many years ago, Um, my brother worked for her. He lived in her home. He passed away from lymphatic cancer. That was when the virus was becoming known as being [00:36:30] HIV A I DS I knew enough to know the difference. I saw the Asian. Yeah, my brother to me because I knew his lifestyle, who he came in contact with. And it wasn't. It was unprotected, unsafe sex. OK, but in the vicinity where he was living. And things like that is very possible [00:37:00] that it may have been HIV. He showed signs the physical sites that we've come to know today, but unfortunately, but in those days it was. He can't He can't have that. He's heterosexual. He can't have that. That kind of stigma has changed because no one's exempt from that. You know, I sometimes feel I go through a similar situation [00:37:30] as those living with HIV aids. But I'm not that lucky to have, um, suffer so much. I can suffer a lot of a lot of things from a lot of people. Intolerance, discrimination, segregation. I mean, what have I got going for me? I'm a hard cast. I'm 6 ft three tall. I'm a transsexual. I got a loud mouth. [00:38:00] Yeah, And who do you think would like to discriminate discriminate against people like me rather than a gay person or a lesbian person? Ministry of Health, Government departments, Working income, social felt everywhere. Hospitals? I went to hospital years ago. I was choking eight people stood around me and watched me choke. My son, who is also trained, stood there and had [00:38:30] to physically push a doctor to get my get attention to help me. Since then, I've suffered like th problems and that. But I mean, that's nothing compared to what? A person who's living with HIV. These days goes through what goes through their mind constantly. It's not like Oh, we have. We'll stop and have a coffee and a cigarette and take a break from this. They can't do that. Sorry. So [00:39:00] sorry for rambling on, But, um, I'd like to give a big shout out to all of those unrecognised people who have passed on with HIV. Those are the indigenous Maori transsexuals. What have you We have contributed to the whole community all of these years, and it's to a degree. It's feeling a little bit stigmatised. It needs to be brought to the forefront. It's not one particular group. It's all [00:39:30] people who have the virus. It's not because you might have the virus, but you're in that category and we are supporting this one. No, if anyone has it or slim with it, you support the whole lot. That's the basis of a community that comes together to support. It's well and true. It's all well and good that you can speak about your support. It's your actions that prove your man. Thank you very much. [00:40:00] So to all of you that are gathered here today to, uh, celebrate and remember those [00:40:30] that have departed into the night. Um, first of all, I just want to say that um um I wrote this last last year. Um, when you asked if somebody had something to say, I was going to write something, but I didn't have anything because I didn't write anything. So I thought this year I'm gonna write something to to say so This is something that I wrote in honour of, um all our friends [00:41:00] that have passed away OK, today you have called my name and in spirit here I am I'm one of many and a sea of stars rekindle my spirit with the words of remembrance that I may be But for a moment [00:41:30] present in the minds of those that I once knew then set me free Let me fly to the great beyond Until I am once again call to mind Let me return refreshed and ever more youthful Then the last time you call my name Put the buns of French out May we never forget [00:42:00] In the name of love Let us always remember My name is Kay Jones and I'm a member of the local Unitarian group Like Roger is here I'm also a member of Wellington's bisexual community, which, as many people would know, have faced a lot [00:42:30] of stigma in relation to being labelled as the way that the virus will get into the heterosexual community. But more than that, the reason I'm here today is because I'm a third generation Wellington and with a family of we've always helped in our families with people who've been unwell and who even counted viruses sickness as community issues. So back in the eighties, when HIV and Virus, the HIV virus, was [00:43:00] known in Wellington, one of the things that I did because my friends were sick was I joined the AIDS Foundation's Volunteers team. This was before it was called AIDS Foundation. So in those days there was not enough people but still people who wanted to help. Now, some of you in the room will remember sister Paula Brett Kelly, who was again a member of faith and who looked after so many people and became such a part of the community and over at the time, [00:43:30] yes, there were names that, like Kayla, said, I didn't know all of those people, but there are names there that I did know and others who weren't on the list, who were friends who were sick and who lived with it. I've got friends now who are living healthy lives with the virus, and I think that's great. But I'd certainly echo the calls. We've got to end the stigma. I mean, if people could be openly sharing and getting the support they need and if there was an increase in support, not the cuts like we're currently facing from, you [00:44:00] know, the AIDS Foundation have had its funding cut from government. People think the virus is gone, it isn't. But at the same time, the only way we're actually gonna make sure that everybody is healthy into the future is to keep on spreading the messages. Because there are still young people today getting infected, not knowing what the risks are and not knowing that. Oh, yeah, it's cool as medicine. Yeah, but it doesn't mean that people have as healthy a life as they could do if they didn't have to face the the illness issues [00:44:30] of people today who are, I don't know, find that they're diabetic. All the doctors sort of say, Oh, well, if you do this, you can sort of overcome the illness. You can't overcome HIV Not yet. And it may be some years before there's actually a cure for it. But in the meantime, sharing the information is something that I'm sure everybody in this does that sharing. But I'm just sort of reiterating that it's a good thing to be doing. And it's not just about people who are gay and the whole gay disease thing. Anybody can get sick. [00:45:00] And everybody should be OK about saying I'm sick. I need support. Thank you. Any others, there'll be plenty of time over. Um, some, uh um, refreshments. Following this. I'd like to remember a friend of mine who, um, she was diagnosed early on in the, um, HIV [00:45:30] virus, and she was pregnant with twins at the time. Um, those twins were terminated. Thankfully, these days, babies can be born without HIV, so I think that's something that we can be grateful for, but I just want to sort of say a heads up for Sophie. Well, I think that brings us to the end of our ceremony, [00:46:00] and I'd like to encourage you all to go forth from here and the strength that you have gathered from this gathering and the strength of universal love, whether that be God for you or whether it be a tree for you, go forth from here in strength and courage and make a change in the world. Amen.
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