06/05/2026
On June 5, 1981, reports of a mysterious illness affecting young gay men marked the beginning of what would become the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Fear, stigma, and misinformation left many people feeling isolated and unsupported.
Today, on HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day, we honor those who lived through the earliest and most challenging years of the epidemic. We recognize the strength of people who have been living with HIV for decades, as well as those born with HIV, often referred to as Dandelions.
Their resilience, advocacy, and lived experiences helped shape the progress we see today.
We're grateful for life-saving advances in HIV treatment and prevention, including PrEP, and for the communities that continued to provide care, support, and hope when it was needed most.
People living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Today, we honor long-term survivors, remember those we've lost, and celebrate the strength of those still here.
Learn more about today ➡🔗www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/hiv-long-term-survivors-day
Learn more about Dandelions movement ➡🔗www.thedandelionsmovement.org/
