Calling for an end to AIDS, an estimated 600 people rallied Nov. 20 outside the White House and encouraged President-elect Barack Obama to make combating the crisis an early priority.
The rally, coordinated by 11 organizations, included demonstrators from Washington, New York and Philadelphia who were hopeful that Obama would act within the first 100 days of his administration to bring relief to those living with HIV or AIDS.
“With Obama, because he comes from Chicago, I’m sure he has a grasp on HIV and AIDS stuff,” said Jose DeMarco, who helped organize the rally. “I think he’s from the South Side of Chicago, so he’s really, really familiar with the HIV crisis, especially in communities of color.”
DeMarco, a 45-year-old AIDS activist from Philadelphia who is gay and living with AIDS, said rally participants also wanted to remind Obama that he has pledged to support the Early Treatment for HIV Act.
The measure, stalled in Congress, would give states the option to provide Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV-positive Americans. Currently, only Americans that can be considered disabled are eligible for Medicaid coverage, excluding those who are HIV positive but have no symptoms of the disease.
“That’s totally reasonable and totally doable,” DeMarco said in an interview after the rally.
DeMarco, who estimated the rally crowd at about 600 people, said people with HIV were given “a ray of hope” during Obama’s presidential campaign and now hold “a lot of hope” that the Democrat will provide domestic and foreign relief.
He said the message that demonstrators intended to send last week to Obama was one of anticipation.
“We’re here to support you,” DeMarco said. “We appreciate the pledges and promises you’ve made to people living with AIDS, and we’re looking forward to your presidency and fight against HIV and AIDS.”
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