The “Persistent Voices” poetry reading kicked off World AIDS Day events in Washington on Tuesday at the Thurgood Marshall building. The reading was sponsored by the DC Center, Us Helping Us, the Whitman-Walker Clinic and POZ. Local television personality Roby Chavez hosted the event.

A World AIDS Day candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday in Dupont Circle. Members of the LGBT-inclusive Bet Mishpachah congregation lit the first candle of the menorah marking the first day of Hanukkah. Speakers included Rabbi Toby Manewith, Don Blanchon of the Whitman-Walker Clinic, and television personality Paul Wharton.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)