ATHENS, Ohio -- A series of events are planned during Ohio University's 16th annual AIDS Awareness Week, May 5-10.

Shawn Decker and Gwenn Barringer will present "A Boy, A Girl, A Virus: And the Relationship that Happened Anyway" Monday at 8:30 p.m. in Morton Hall 235.

Decker, infected with HIV through a medical procedure, formed a relationship with Barringer, an AIDS case manager and activist. The two will share their personal story about healthy, positive relationships when one partner is HIV positive. They will also dispel myths about people living with HIV.

After the presentation, a candlelight vigil will be held in remembrance of people living with HIV and AIDS and also those who have succumbed to the disease.

The 12th annual "Illusions of the Stars" performance will be on Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m. in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. More than 10 female impersonators will take the stage to raise money for the Athens AIDS Task Force. Among the stars whose performances will be recreated are Cher, Lucille Ball, Liza Minnelli and Reba McEntire.

Other events include a Tuesday presentation by POWER, a peer education group, about reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections. A visual display will be located at the Howard Hall site throughout the week to provide students with information.

Intended to break stereotypes and increase awareness about HIV and AIDS, the week's events are coordinated by the Ohio University Department of Health Education and Wellness and POWER. Illusions has been organized by various departments within the Division of Student Affairs: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Programs, the Office of Public Occasions, the Department of Health Education and Wellness and POWER.

Updated information about the week's activities will be available online at www.ohiou.edu/healthwell/AIDS.htm