Looking back on the history of HIV

Reading from a photo book detailing some the lives lost to AIDS and HIV-related illnesses are organisers of a special Dunedin Pride Night event (from left) Burnett Foundation senior service and outreach co-ordinator Peter Ford, of Christchurch, Dunedin Pride treasurer Trak Gray, Burnett Foundation marketing and engagement specialist Blaise Clotworthy, of Auckland, and Dunedin Pride chairperson Max Wolfgram.

The special event hosted former New Zealand Aids Foundation (now Burnett Foundation) chairman Michael Stevens, and Mr Ford, who are both living with HIV.

Mr Stevens said it was important for rainbow youth of today not to forget the past and where the community had come from.

"There’s nothing wrong with being HIV positive, there’s nothing wrong with having Aids, there’s nothing wrong with us. It’s how the outside world sees us that was wrong," he said.

The New Zealand Aids memorial quilt project is a memorial to those who have died of HIV-related illnesses.

The next Dunedin Pride Night will be held on December 30.