With 2024 Long Beach Pride already behind us, let’s throw it back to the 20th Anniversary of Long Beach Pride in 2003! With syphilis on the rise, AHF included the mascot, Phil the Sore, to spread the message (not the sores)! Phil the Sore was unveiled on June 20th, 2002, in response to the rising rates of syphilis in LA County. With the slogan “Stop the Sores” at both Long Beach Pride and the Christopher Street West Parade in Los Angeles, AHF also introduced the updated Prevention and Testing Program.
The Prevention and Testing Program (now the Public Health Division) led the charge against the county’s inaction, hosting testing events and getting creative with marketing campaigns to get the word out on the syphilis spike. The department originated with the primary purpose of operating AHF’s HIV testing and counseling program targeted toward men who have sex with men in Los Angeles and West Hollywood. The population reach expanded with the advent of the Public Health Division in 2007. The public health approach offers access to treatment, public education, and testing services.
Using Phil the Sore as a mascot to raise awareness of the importance of getting tested for syphilis and using a condom to prevent the spread of the disease, AHF continued its mission of fighting for what’s right and staying on top of STI outbreaks. Using Pride as a platform helped get the message out while also celebrating the community.
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