THOUSAND OAKS, CA. California Lutheran University will mark Ventura County’s World AIDS Day 2009 with a series of events exploring the epidemic both locally and globally.

The commemoration will begin with an exhibit called “Condom Tree” from Tuesday, Nov. 24, through Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture in Soiland Humanities Center. Michael Pearce, chair of CLU’s art department, will explore World AIDS Day through his representation of safer sex methods.

A documentary titled “Little Secrets” will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, in Lundring Events Center in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center. The film features 10 HIV-positive teenagers who challenge themselves, their disease and the whitewater rapids of the Salmon River. A discussion will follow the screening.

The main events will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, in Lundring Events Center. Starting at 4:30 p.m., a Positively Speaking Panel of local residents who are HIV-positive will share their stories and answer questions. A light dinner reception and discussion will follow at 6 p.m.

Two keynote speakers will share their perspectives on AIDS starting at 7 p.m. Evelyn Gonzalez-Figueroa, associate director of AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) International, has worked with HIV/AIDS since the mid-1980s. During the last decade, she has focused on community-based research with an emphasis on analyzing cultural gaps in HIV/AIDS prevention. She has also developed programs in Los Angeles, India, China and Latin America.

Matt G. Mutchler, a community-based researcher at APLA and sociology professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills, will discuss “Sexual Health Communication Between Young Gay Men and Young Women: ‘Gay Boy Talk,’ ‘Girl Talk,’ and Why It Matters for HIV Prevention Practices and Policies.” Mutchler has researched the social and cultural contexts of young gay men’s sexual lives for more than 18 years.

The evening will conclude with a candlelight vigil.

Working in conjunction with the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County, CLU’s Wellness Programs and Center for Equality and Justice are sponsoring the free events. For more information, please contact Wellness Programs at (805) 493-3950 or wellness@callutheran.edu.