To some, the red ribbon recalls passionate love and affection (rarely shown to people with this chronic disease), while to the others, it symbolises the helplessness of the ill.
The symbol was neither used for commercial purposes nor trademarked, to proliferate the message of compassion without bounds. The ribbon was chosen for its ease of wear and replication.
When Was the Red Ribbon Created?
The 1980s saw a global spike in HIV cases. To raise awareness, a group was formed in 1988, known as Visual AIDS Artists’ Caucus. It entailed artists and art institutions.
The Journey of the Red Ribbon
The Red Ribbon Project in collaboration with Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS distributed red ribbons to the 1991 Tony awards attendee, out of whom actor Jeremy Irons sported it.
The following year, over 100,000 red ribbons were distributed to the audience present at the Freddie Mercury Tribute show at the Wembley Stadium. This show was seen in more than 70 nations.
Legacy of the Red Ribbon
On World AIDS Day 2007, a 28-foot AIDS red ribbon was put on the White House's North Portico. It has since become an annual tradition across four administrations.