December 2011
The POZ 100
100 People, Things and Ideas We Love

Click here to read a digital edition of this article. It was a hell of a year for HIV/AIDS. This past year, it was shown that treatment works as prevention; there was fresh hope in the fields of cure and vaccine research (one man was publicly declared cured of HIV); and everyone from global health experts to Congress to the media started talking about the end of AIDS. This year, 2011, will be remembered as the year we discovered that if we apply our resources correctly, we can start to end the epidemic.
The trick is to capitalize on our amazing progress, parlaying science into policy and turning optimism into cash, to improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.
The key to how we do this is, in part, the POZ 100. This year’s list celebrates 100 people, things and ideas that reinvent—and improve—how we tackle HIV.
We would need tens of thousands of pages to celebrate all the wonderful people and organizations bravely and effectively fighting the virus. The purpose of the POZ 100 is to highlight some of those who are making big splashes right now. This year’s list is a little top heavy. By that we mean there are a lot of big names in government and global AIDS on it. But the reality of today’s pinched economy means that all AIDS funding is under heavy artillery fire. And the folks on this list have been taking the hits while defending the perimeter. They have gone to bat for our community when others would like us just to go away. And without leadership on global and domestic AIDS at the highest levels, the money expires—and so could we.
That said, the survival of people with HIV has always depended on a one-two punch: leadership from the top and from the grassroots level. So you will also see heroes who are fighting in the trenches, acting as essential thorns in the side of the establishment, working as watchdogs, wielding the press to expose corruption and serving as role models. These extraordinary people prove that a single soul can change the world.
Please know that each and every person living with HIV/AIDS is always on our list. As is every one of you working out there in the field, as a counselor, an HIV tester, a doctor, nurse, research scientist, fund-raiser, artist, activist, journalist, support group leader, donor, friend, partner or lover.
We know it’s been tough lately, but the message we share on this World AIDS Day is that the science now gives us new justification for a renewed focus on HIV/AIDS. We know many of you don’t have jobs and are worried about money and the future of health care in America. We are too. But we also know that many fierce, smart people are fighting every day for our lives. They’re not going home until it’s over.
The list on the following pages is alphabetized, and the 100th item is as important as the first.
We’d love to hear about people who inspire you. Visit poz.com/100 to post your comments and recommendations.
And, join us in giving a standing ovation to this outstanding group of people, things and ideas. They show us the way to a world we all want to live in—a world free of HIV.
Introduction
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| 26-50
| 51-75
| 76-100
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comments 1 - 2 (of 2 total)
Anthony, NYC, 2011-12-11 02:31:16
I us to have more respect for the POZ 100 it was always exiting to see who was on it . Now it is a little disappointing to see foundations and agency's instead of advocates who work hard to make a difference and some of the ones listed were a little disappointing as well . I still think people look up to POZ and respect the site and publication I hope this doesn't ruin it everyone I have talked to said the same thing about this years POZ 100
TonyC, New York City, 2011-11-22 14:47:02
My brother is the largest Liz collector of memorabilia in the world.He had asked Christies to get involved cause the clothes going on the block,which are racks & racks ,are stored in a LIC warehouse.Just know that Christie's know "squat" about her clothes.He's involved cause the fashion company he works for, the top clients are privy to first "dibs" and he takes them for tours,,couture w/o labels etc SO anyone can get a great buy.It's bothersome to ME cause ALL the proceeds go to LiZ AIDS FOUNDA
comments 1 - 2 (of 2 total)
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