World AIDS MUSEUM and Educational Center
2023 Gala
The vibe was fun and the cause was great. Hundreds of
Getting the Party Started
red clad partiers packed the DCOTA (Design Center of the
The night began with VIPs grabbing a drink and boarding
Americas) for South Florida’s inaugural Red Dress Dress
shuttles at Hunters Nightclub. Once they arrived at the
Red event, benefitting the World AIDS Museum (WAM).
DCOTA, there were light appetizers, an open bar, and
“The event was absolutely spectacular,” WAM Executive
fabulous entertainment. Velvet LeNore hosted the night with
Director Terry Dyer told OutClique. “It exceeded our
her trademark classy-yet-sassy attitude. The Synergy Twins
expectations,”
had the crowd dancing anywhere they could find a spot.
The Red Dress Dress Red franchise has been around for
A showstopper was country music star Billy Gilman. His
17 years, mostly happening in the western United States.
vocals are as strong as ever and the genuine emotions
Dyer brought it here and says it is now a staple of South
behind his words hit home. Gilman told OutClique the fight
Florida’s winter social calendar. “We will be doing the
against HIV/AIDS is as important now as it was twenty,
event again next year - locking in the date now in fact. This
thirty, and even forty years ago. “I try to find songs that
is our new annual gala creating safe spaces for all walks
have a message of help and people recognize that now
of life to bring awareness to the epidemic, fellowship as a
more than ever in the climate of our world.”
community (LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+), to educate, and so much more.”
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis showed up to issue a proclamation, recognizing what WAM means to
As the name suggests, the theme of the night was red,
the community. “This is us. This is all part of who we are
which reflects the color’s significance since the early
as a community and I’m devoted to our community and I
days of the AIDS crisis. While iconic red ribbons of the
need to be here.”
past were gone, they were replaced with head-to-toe red outfits. “It makes me feel so proud. I knew South Florida
Dyer says the event has already raised $100,000 and is
would show up and show out with their outfits. Everyone
making a final push for another $25,000. All the money
was dressed to the nines. There was creativity. There was
will be matched by AHF through the Florida AIDS Walk.
comfy cozy, chic, elegance, rock, and leather. My heart
“Ending the epidemic of HIV must be a collective fight.
was filled to see all the beauty in one room having the time
Everyone supporting this, especially for the first time, will
of their lives.”
always be remembered.”
WorldAIDSMuseum.org Author: John Hayden | Photo Courtesy of SRL Media