Everyone in the world has the right to equal treatment and good healthcare. Yet more than 9.2 million people with HIV do not have access to life-saving medicines. A large proportion of these people are part of the LGBTQ+ community. They are particularly vulnerable to HIV and AIDS, especially in countries with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. These laws have the disastrous effect of rapidly increasing the number of HIV infections. For example, HIV is 5 times more common in these countries among men who have sex with men than in other countries, because they no longer dare to be tested for HIV for fear of discrimination, prison or worse.

Aidsfonds has been committed to combating AIDS for almost 40 years. We are there for everyone who is dealing with HIV and AIDS. No matter who you love, where you live, what you do, or what color your skin is. For Aidsfonds, the theme ‘Together’ means: together we can put an end to AIDS. And that is mainly a political choice. If political leaders make the choice to give everyone access to information, prevention and HIV medicines, no one will have to die from AIDS.

Our boat offers a glimpse into the future. We see a world where all political leaders have abolished discriminatory laws. A world in which everyone can be whoever they want to be. A world in which everyone has access to life-saving medicines and no one loses a loved one to AIDS anymore. The boat is a call to government leaders worldwide: ‘Dear Presidents, TOGETHER we can end AIDS’. Together we stop AIDS. For the love of all loves.