December 1 is World AIDS Day, dedicated to create awareness around the deadly disease, its spread and also express remorse for those who lost their lives to it. There was a time when celebs used to participate in campaigns related to AIDS. Bollywood actor turned humanitarian Somy Ali talks about it and if it helps in making a difference. She also shares about the importance of the day.
“Considering if a celebrity decides to post a selfie deeming wearing a banana peel the new fashion, something as serious as AIDS Day is not only necessary but an obligation for all celebrities worldwide to support the AIDS campaign and raise awareness through their social media. We need to educate ourselves and read about how horribly AIDS patients were treated in the 80’s to the mid 90’s. This all came from discriminatory mindsets against homosexuals and led them to fend for themselves when they were dying in the hospital beds. Nurses and doctors refused to help or treat them. Religious extremists shouted at the top of their lungs that AIDS was a punishment for being gay. It was the epitome of ignorance and quite disgraceful. I am heartbroken that many people not only suffered but died with no one by their side,” she says.
There are various ways a celebrity can adopt now to support a campaign with so many mediums at our disposal today. Somy, who now runs her NGO No More Tears for the betterment of women and children, speaks on the same.
“First thing that a celebrity should do is an educational and informative post about what AIDS is, how it can be contracted, how we can prevent contracting the disease, and above all, we must not discriminate against our LGBTQ Community. Celebrities can make that day a day to volunteer their time at an NGO which helps HIV positive and AIDS patients. There are many ways celebrities can help, but the first step is to get educated and educate others. Lastly, encourage our society members to get involved and do something for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters,” she ends.
