Board of County Commissioners Celebrates Three December Proclamations

Commissioners Approve Proclamations on AIDS, Transgender Remembrance and Genocide

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners marked its monthly Proclamation Day on Wednesday, Dec. 3, by approving three proclamations recognizing World AIDS Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide. Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards presided over the meeting, as Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Commissioner Meghan Moyer were excused.

“These proclamations affirm Multnomah County’s commitment to those in our community living with HIV and AIDS, remember transgender and nonbinary community members we’ve lost to violence, and recognize victims and survivors of genocide,” Brim-Edwards said. The celebration also included the presentation of the Kathleen Saadat Community Advocate Award.

The Board proclaimed Dec. 1, 2025, as World AIDS Day in Multnomah County. Sponsored by the Health Department, the proclamation raises awareness of HIV, confronts stigma and honors those lost to AIDS or continuing to fight for equitable care. This year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reflects the community-led origins of the HIV response.

Health Department HIV grant administration managers Derek Smith and Scott Strickland presented the proclamation, noting that advocacy efforts arose in response to federal indifference that led to nearly 450,000 HIV/AIDS-related deaths by the 1990s. This year marks 35 years of federal funding through programs such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.

Strickland warned that rhetoric today mirrors that of the 1980s. “New infections continue to occur, people who would benefit from treatment are being denied and unnecessary deaths are recurring,” he said.

Advances in treatment have allowed people with HIV who reach viral suppression to live long, healthy lives without risk of transmission. In 2023, 93% of people receiving HIV medical care in the region achieved viral suppression. However, inequities persist, with higher rates among people of color, youth, transgender women, people who use drugs and those with prior sexually transmitted infections.

Community advocate Bee Velasquez emphasized the importance of local support systems. “These services do more than treat HIV,” she said. “They keep people housed, connected, supported and alive.” The County reaffirmed its commitment to the End HIV in Oregon Strategy and continues to display a historic National AIDS Quilt panel at the Gladys McCoy Building.

The Board proclaimed Nov. 20, 2025, as Transgender Day of Remembrance, honoring transgender people lost to violence. Commissioner Shannon Singleton noted the rise in anti-trans rhetoric and policies. Since November 2024, at least 27 trans and nonbinary people have been killed nationwide, with violence disproportionately impacting trans femmes of color.

As part of the observance, the Kathleen Saadat Community Advocate Award was presented to Joelle Kim, executive director of the Q Center, for her leadership in creating spaces of healing, connection and advocacy. Kim thanked Saadat and County employee resource groups for their support of queer and trans employees.

The Board also proclaimed Dec. 9, 2025, as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crimes of Genocide. Speakers shared personal experiences as genocide survivors and advocates, reflecting on atrocities past and present.

The proclamation invoked the promise of “never again” and concluded with a call to action, urging continued vigilance, accountability and collective efforts to end suffering and uphold human dignity worldwide.