Candlelight vigil and march for HIV/AIDS victims in Armenia

17 May is marked as International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, local gay activists, such as PINK Armenia, consider it "too early for us to conduct any big event or march against homophobia". However, they joined efforts with the Armenian Red Cross to commemorate victims of HIV/AIDS. The Caucasian Knot covers the march and candlelight vigil, posting photos and video interviews with the Red Cross volunteer and head of PINK Armenia.

According to the organizers of today’s candlelight vigil to commemorate the victims of HIV/AIDS, another event might have also been held had not attitudes in society been as they presently are. Nevertheless, the small rally by about 60 Armenian Red Cross volunteers and members of Pink Armenia to commemorate those killed by HIV/AIDS was largely successful and even went unhindered by police. Not that the authorities have anything against such marches, but rather that they are overly sensitive to any actions, especially by youth, after last year’s presidential election.

*photos - Onnik Krikorian/Oneworld Multimedia 2009 (+ Twitpic)