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Community Corner

20/20 Forum

The “20/20 Community Forum” will be an important and
innovative gathering that will provide youth with access to resources, help
close generational gaps, and continue to provide innovative programming.

“20/20″ is a community forum that focuses on bringing
together veteran activists and current youth activists for a stimulating and provocative discussion on the past, present, and future of HIV/AIDS. The “20/20  Vision” focus will refer to 20 years ago, in the depths of the AIDS epidemic, in contrast with a clear-eyed look forward to the solid work of young
activist/educators who will be the “elders” 20 years hence and hopefully
looking back at the end of AIDS.

The Panel will consist of six participants, half youth and
half adults and/or elders. This collection of speakers provides the opportunity to hear from the elders on past methods, approaches, and personal stories while also allowing the youth activists to provide insight on current work and what lies ahead in the years to come. Additional topics may include: medical
treatments, the impact of social media, the modern day convenience of “hooking up”, west coast‐oriented history & landmark events in the HIV/AIDS
timelime, self‐esteem, sociological factors, and cultural & ethnic issues.

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A lively “Q&A Session” will follow the forum to allow  for questions, including those chosen in advance via e‐mail, presented via
Twitter (#2020forum), or delivered in person. A reception will follow the forum in order to allow access to the panelists and encourage interaction among the  audience. A number of outreach tables will be present to provide community resources. The general community is invited (no cost admission) and a special  emphasis will be put on making sure that community “stakeholders” are present. Some of these could include local service providers, community leaders, parents, educators, at-risk youth and prominent members of the
community.”20/20″ provides a unique and thought‐provoking look at the
challenging topic that HIV/AIDS has been and continues to be in the gay
community (particularly among young gay men of color).

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