Former Health Minister, Yang Chih-liang, a long-time champion of AIDS awareness, attended a stage production of Daylight with his godson and an HIV-infected patient , “Ladybug”. Along with officials from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), Mr. Yang and Ladybug are calling on the public to practice monogamy with long-term partners, practice the correct use of condoms, and encourage the mindset, “AIDS stops with me”.  

The two began their friendship two years ago when then-Minister Yang attended several AIDS prevention events in his capacity as the Health Minister at the Department of Health. Ladybug, who is HIV-positive, playfully said to Yang, “Mr. Minister, may I be your godson?” Mr. Yang agreed to it on the spot and later not only recognized him as his godson, but gifted him a locomotive as a token of their new-formed bond.

According to Taiwan CDC data, at the end of May 2012, there are more than 20,000 HIV-positive people in Taiwan, with 69% of them having contracted the virus via sexual activity and intercourse. The highest prevalence is found among the homosexual population. Another high-risk group is among the 20 to 29-year-olds, who account for nearly 40% of those infected with HIV. And rates of infection continue to rise in younger generations. To reach this demographic, Taiwan CDC has commissioned a film version of the VMTheatre Company stage musical, Daylight, which will be shown in high schools and colleges nationwide to raise awareness of the issue.

The Daylight director, Zheng Hui-cheng, has a close friend whose HIV-positive younger brother was not only utterly devastated by the disease, but shut himself off from the world completely. Zheng wrote Daylight, to help him through his diagnosis, and also to paint a more accurate picture of AIDS and how it spreads. The play received an enthusiastic response when it was debuted two years ago and it continues its run this year. Daylight features the story of a gay man who unwittingly contracts HIV after being lured into a nightclub by his lover to engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners. The film depicts the compassionate reaction of the protagonist’s friends and family, illustrating their sincere concern, tender care towards those living with AIDS, and people with the disease living with courage and dignity.  

Mr. Yang took Ladybug to see Daylight on their first outing as “father and son,” and said that Ladybug has faced life and death in his fight against AIDS. Mr. Yang added that Ladybug has even had to contend with unsympathetic relatives, friends, institutions, and other issues. Fortunately, his family and colleagues accept and care for him, so now Ladybug is not only well-adjusted and happy, but outspoken about AIDS and constantly encourages other AIDS patients like him in their struggle against the disease.

Together, with the efforts of those from all walks of life, Taiwan CDC continues to make progress on AIDS awareness and to demystify its prevention for the betterment of our society.