Londoners invited to ‘Swish’ on World AIDS Day parade

× Close window

Reader Comments

  1. The campaign for a London AIDS memorial is a worthy one and I personally hope people take part in this or any local event to mark World AIDS day tomorrow. For those on there way too or from the SWISH tomorrow if you can make it up to Waterstones in Gower St. WC1 you will be able to see a panel from the UK World AIDS Quilt.

    To all have a safe World AIDS Day.

    Post a reply →
  2. Wait for the bit about AIDS at about 55 minutes into it, http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8674401787208020885

    Post a reply →
  3. Steve_R  1 Dec 2011, 5:40am  Report
    Thumb up 3Thumb down

    The cause and the memorial without question is worthy and support by anyone is commendable!

    But SWISH? I am sorry but the issue is about AIDS Memorial.

    Celebrating the lives of those who live or we have lost to AIDS should be done in a dignified respectful way.

    To promote the event with such a camp and tasteless way can only detract from the goal of overcoming the goals of the original Stonewall riots and the fight against prejudice and bigotry.

    People from all walks of life around the world have been affected by AIDS.

    I have a sense of humor but come on seriously! why do people have to come up with belittling stereo typical concepts which only portray the gay community which fights hard for equality and acceptance, yet mocks itself
    providing fuel for derision and pejorative ridicule.

    Post a reply →
    1. myself  1 Dec 2011, 8:29am  Report
      Thumb up 1Thumb down

      I understand your point but our Rainbow community is so much more then AIDS and we should show of. There is massive variety in straight “main stream”-emos, goth, punk, rock chick, tracksuits, suits, preppy, high street conceptual, hip hop, trash… should we ask them to wear uniforms when out and about? Even China moved on. Fit in by sticking out and play safe. Respect and love to all.

      Post a reply →
    2. W6_bloke  1 Dec 2011, 8:43am  Report
      Thumb up -2Thumb down

      @ Steve R
      Drawing attention to a good cause can never be a bad thing, just lighten up and get over yourself mate. It is your perception that the event will be “camp and tasteless” but what are you going to be doing to draw attention to this very good cause apart from complain?

      Post a reply →
    3. Suddenly Last Bummer  1 Dec 2011, 10:47am  Report
      Thumb up 2Thumb down

      Well said Steve. As soon as I read the story I had the same reaction. Playing with a camp stereotype to commemorate those (straight and gay) who were and are victims of a terrible disease is just embarrassing.

      Post a reply →
      1. W6_bloke  1 Dec 2011, 12:59pm  Report
        Thumb up -1Thumb down

        This event is to draw attention to The London AIDS Memorial campaign, what are you guys doing to raise HIV awareness today or even this particular campaign???

        Post a reply →
        1. Steve_R  1 Dec 2011, 3:25pm  Report
          Thumb up 0Thumb down

          The London AIDS Memorial Campaign, and raising HIV awareness, are how they should be promoted no more no less.
          SWISH has no correlation in context or connotation which would associate it with AIDS Memorial or HIV awareness. To many who may attend or have wished to attend the very notion of SWISH and it’s adjective which I recommend you google! is the very reason why this would be viewed as offensive even an insult. and no less an embarrassment to the memory they would wish associated or attached to their loved ones living with AIDS or those who have died to be in memorial.

          Post a reply →
    4. Spanner1960  1 Dec 2011, 5:56pm  Report
      Thumb up 1Thumb down

      I totally agree.
      I would also point out that not all those that have died from AIDS were gay; so I find it slightly arrogant that this group have chosen to take on the mantle, and then in stereotypical gay faggy style make us all like a bunch of mincing queens.

      I would have thought a little candlelight vigil would have been wholly more appropriate.

      Post a reply →
  4. Aim to be there with a London met crew if I can! It may not be a serious way of putting it forward but any publicity is better than no publicity!!

    Post a reply →
  5. Swarmite Ananda  2 Dec 2011, 1:52am  Report
    Thumb up 1Thumb down

    Tonight over 200 people turned up in pouring rain to celebrate the lives of those who died of AIDS, including many young people, in order to freshen up the numbness around the HIV issue. If someone wishes to attend a silent vigil then attend one or create one, don’t winge from your armchair and do nothing. Get off your arse and do something. London is diverse, why not AIDS vigils? Many of those we lost were ardent clubbers who loved a party, which we certainly had on the street and at a club after. What’s not to like? The London AIDS Memorial Campaign educational component is to reach out to those who would never attend a traditional vigil. Diversity also means choices.

    Post a reply →
    1. W6_bloke  2 Dec 2011, 2:03am  Report
      Thumb up 2Thumb down

      Well said – far too many people complain but do jack all, and I note there are many commentators of this ilk who read PN!

      Post a reply →
    2. Spanner1960  2 Dec 2011, 8:56am  Report
      Thumb up -1Thumb down

      Well, for starters I must have lost at least a dozen friends to HIV/AIDS, and some of those were clubbers. I’m not saying it has to be some morbid or morose gathering, but I do think mincing down Old Compton street to Gloria Gaynor is rather too much the other way, and yet again gives those against us ammunition by continually reinforcing gay stereotypes.

      Post a reply →

Add your comment

These comments are un-moderated and do not necessarily represent the views of PinkNews.co.uk. If you believe that a comment is inappropriate or libellous please click "Report" or email us. Terms and Conditions · Privacy Policy




Top users this week

  • Robert in S. Kensington 692
  • Eddy 350
  • Iris 294
  • Jock S. Trap 262
  • Rehan 260
  • GulliverUK 259
  • rapture 252
  • D.McCabe 220
  • Mark Y 216
  • Wingby 209