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RISE: Cleve Jones and Ruth Coker Burks

1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P4, Canada

51.05221969999999 -114.0878993

Description

RISE: a social commentary with two legendary voices of the LGBTQ+ movement In honour of this years Calgary Pride Festival, Twisted Element has partnered with HIV community link to bring two incredible guest speakers, as well as some local voices, for a night of social commentary. Ruth Coker Burks Known as the Cemetery Angel, Ruth is a former caregiver of AIDS crisis victims and an AIDS awareness advocate based in Arkansas. During the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s, she used her salary as a real estate agent to care for AIDS patients whose families and communities had abandoned them. Because of the prejudices, fears, and stigma surrounding the disease at the time, she was often the patients' only caregiver until their passing. She is recognized for burying them in her own family cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Cleve Jones Cleave is an American AIDS and LGBT rights activist. He conceived the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt which has become, at 54 tons, the world's largest piece of community folk art as of 2016. In 1983, at the onset of the AIDS pandemic Jones co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation which has grown into one of the largest and most influential People with AIDS advocacy organizations in the United States. Both speakers will happily take audience questions at the end of their speech. After Cleve's speech, there will be a signing of his book, When We Rise. The book will be available on site for purchase with cash, credit or debit courtesy of Pages . . . on Kensington Road. VIP ticket holders will receive front of the line and have their photo taken with Cleve. Twisted Element Since 2004 Twisted Element has brought unique and inclusive entertainment experiences to Calgary. Often working with community partners, Twisted Element also provides opportunities to raise awareness of issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community. They have been especially supportive of HIV advocacy and allow their space to be used for testing. HIV Community Link Founded in 1983. Today, the organization serves hundreds of people living with HIV, helping them to better understand their diagnosis and experience improved wellness and quality of life. There will be a free after party for everyone who wants to come out and carry on the conversation over beverages immediately after at Twisted Element.

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Start: 2019-08-28T19:00:00-06:00

End: 2019-08-28T22:00:00-06:00

Tickets

General Seating unreserved 25.0 CAD 300

VIP Center first 5 rows. 50.0 CAD 50