World Aids Day Ribbon
HOW DID THE world aids day RED RIBBON BECOME SO WELL KNOWN?
In the early days, the artists made the wWorld Aids Day Ribbons themselves and distributed them around the New York art scene and dropped them off at theatres. Initially there was text that went with it, to explain why they were being worn, but eventually this was dropped as its symbolism no longer needed an explanation.
Within weeks of the red World Aids Day ribbon idea being born, world-famous actors starting wearing it to high-profile award ceremonies such as the Oscars and talking about why it was important. The media also took notice, and within a short space of time the red ribbon symbol became universally recognised.
At the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, held at London's Wembley Stadium on Easter Sunday, 1992, more than 100,000 red ribbons were distributed among the audience, with performers such as George Michael wearing one. The red World Aids Day ribbon continues to be a powerful force in the efforts to increase public awareness of HIV.