Memory Book:'1998'2000

While crafting HIV Plus's 10th anniversary issue, we scrutinized events of the past decade to select some of its highlights'and unfortunate low points. And while it was clear that the past 10 years were neither as tumultuous as the earliest days of the pandemic nor as euphoric as those of the mid 1990s, when combination therapy forever changed treatment, the decade hasn't been without its memorable moments. We've seen HIV rates explode nationally among women and youths and among African-Americans and Latinos. There were recurring waves of infections among gay men. And we witnessed the virus gaining stronger footholds in the Caribbean, Asia, and Eastern Europe. But there also were hopeful developments'like the rise of a new generation and breed of activist, the approval of new meds offering hope to HIVers who were running out of treatment options, and fund-raisers that drew tens of thousands of people and raised millions of dollars as well as the spirits of their participants. Here, we take a look at a mere handful of those from 1998-2000. 1998

Never Forget An Australian man writes a message to a friend lost to AIDS on an illuminated memorial wall during Sydney's annual candlelight vigil. Such events have become as regular as charity walks, bike rides, and other memorials, especially on World AIDS Day. 1999

Making Sex Safer An actor rests between scenes on the set of a video being made for the adult-film industry, which was finally awakened by an AIDS scare when a leading actor tested HIV-positive. Although performers in gay films had begun using condoms years earlier, actors in most straight videos had continued to ignore the issue.

Shattering Stigma Former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan delivers a lecture named in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales, known for such simple acts as hugging children with AIDS, helping to break down the fear and stigma around HIV.

Rallying Point The front of the White House has been ground zero for AIDS protests throughout the pandemic, including this ACT UP rally denouncing a Clinton administration policy that the protesters said valued drug company profits above human life. 2000

A Ride and a Rubber With new HIV diagnosis rates soaring among sex workers and drug users in Kyrgyzstan, the nation's government and the United Nations team with taxi drivers in the country to provide condoms and HIV awareness materials to their passengers.

Remember Me  A heartbreakingly thick book containing the names of thousands of Americans lost to AIDS is read aloud during a 24-hour World AIDS Day vigil in New York City.

 Giving Voice  Taking the full day, dozens of volunteers like Luz Luesano make sure that people who have died of AIDS are not forgotten by reading aloud each of the names listed during the vigil.