A Reflection on World AIDS Day: "The Light Stays"

Every year, the night before World AIDS Day hits a little differently.

For some of us, it's not a date on the calendar—it's a mirror. A moment to look at who we've become, what we've survived, and the people who held us together along the way.

As someone who's lived openly with HIV for years, personally trained thousands of folks across the country, and served as longtime wellness editor for PLUS+ Magazine, I've lived the full spectrum of what this day brings up: Strength. Grief. Anger. Pride. Community. Hope.

All tangled together.

But you know something? That mix is sacred.

And something else unexpected happened recently.

We wrote a song—and it wasn't for a project, a campaign, or a deadline. It came out of conversations, memories, and late-nights when the weight of the past and the hope for the future both sit on your chest at the same time. Heavy.

So tonight, we light a red ribbon and place it on our annual "Peace Wreath" on Sunny Dunes in Palm Springs. I'm reminded that it's a tribute. Not to tragedy, but to resilience.

To our chosen families. To the joy that refuses to disappear. To the dear souls we have lost—and the ones still fighting.

To those versions of ourselves we weren't sure would make it this far.

World AIDS Day isn't just a remembrance. It's a roll call of anyone—and everyone—who decided to keep going, odds be damned.

We're giving you the song that Jonathan and I co-wrote: "The Light Stays" (recorded in English, Spanish and French, and even a couple surprise remixes on the EP). Download one or all.

It's a tiny offering. A hand on the shoulder. Just so you know you're not alone. Cause our stories still matter. And our voices still reach one another—even if it may seem like they don't.

🎧 Listen/s tream the EP here (or in the player at the end of this post)

https://on.soundcloud.com/y5mztdU9zMPR7jc3mx

If it gives you even a moment of peace, or clarity, or connection—I'm grateful.

If you feel moved to share it, please do—music travels where speeches cannot!  

And to all those affected by or living with HIV: We see you.

To those we lost: We will never forget you. 

And to all of us who keep showing up. Thank you.  

We. Are. The. Proof. 

—Sam Francis Page