By Carrie Musgrave

Dundas Square was a sea of light last night as thousands of people gathered with glowsticks in hand for the AIDS vigil that was held as part of the XVI International AIDS Conference. The one hour ceremony included speeches, music, lighting of candles and a moment of silence to honour friends, family and strangers alike who lost the battle to AIDS. Members of the crowd were also encouraged to call out the names of those they had lost but not forgotten.
One of the most heartwrenching moments of the evening came when Sonya Coté took the stage to share “Christian’s Exit”, a highly emotional and stark recount of a friend’s battle with AIDS, told from her perspective. It was a story that will not be forgotten by anyone in attendance.
The AIDS Conference wraps up today, with the closing session held at 11:30am at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre.
More photos by Carrie Musgrave here.