Red Ribbon

The Red Ribbon is:-

• international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness since 1991
• represents solidarity and support for HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.
• symbol of commitment to challenge the stigma an prejudice surrounding HIV/AIDS
• all monies raised from sales of Red Ribbons go towards support services for people living with HIV/AIDS

In an era where there is a lapel ribbon for every cause and appeal, the Red Ribbon maintains uniqueness due to the story of how it came about.
The Red Ribbon was conceived in 1991 at the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus, New York. Painter Frank Moore lived in upstate New York, where a neighbouring family was displaying yellow ribbons in support of their soldier-daughter's safe return from the Gulf War. According to Moore, "it convinced me that it could be a metaphor for AIDS as well. Ribbon symbols didn't start with the Gulf War, either. I remember green inverted-V ribbons being worn as symbols of concern about the Atlanta child murders twenty years ago”. Historically white hankies or ribbons had been tied to trees in a similar manner to having a candle burning in the window to show that you were waiting for someone to return or to welcome someone home.

The Visual AIDS Artists Caucus believed it was important to:

• remain anonymous as individuals and to credit the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus as a whole in the creation of the Red Ribbon.
• keep the image copyright free, so that no single individual or organization would profit from the use of the red ribbon;
• use the Red Ribbon as a conscious raising symbol, not as a commercial or trademark tool.

The Ribbon Project was officially launched at the 45th Annual Tony Awards ceremony in 1991. All of the nominees and presenters were encouraged -- with success -- to wear the ribbons. According to the Visual AIDS press release announcing The Ribbon Project, "The red ribbon (an inverted 'V' without a bow) will act as a symbol of our sympathy, support and hope for a day without AIDS. All involved with this project hope that by December 1st, World AIDS Day, these ribbons will be worn across the world."

• the colour red was chosen for its "connection to blood and the idea of passion -- not only anger, but love, like a valentine."
• the tails of the ribbon pointing down was chosen to symbolise life flowing away.

Since its debut at the 1991 Tony Awards, the image of the ribbon is seen all around the world. Volunteers in many countries give their time and effort to produce the enormous number of ribbons used on World AIDS Day.

Each year in NSW all monies raised through the sale of red ribbons during AIDS Awareness Week and World AIDS Day around Australia go towards providing support services for people living with HIV/AIDS including medical services, counselling services, support and peer education groups.

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