World AIDS MUSEUM and Educational Center 2023 Gala

The vibe was fun and the cause was great. Hundreds of red clad partiers packed the DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas) for South Florida’s inaugural Red Dress Dress Red event, benefitting the World AIDS Museum (WAM). “The event was absolutely spectacular,” WAM Executive Director Terry Dyer told OutClique. “It exceeded our expectations,”

The Red Dress Dress Red franchise has been around for 17 years, mostly happening in the western United States. Dyer brought it here and says it is now a staple of South Florida’s winter social calendar. “We will be doing the event again next year - locking in the date now in fact. This is our new annual gala creating safe spaces for all walks of life to bring awareness to the epidemic, fellowship as a community (LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+), to educate, and so much more.”

As the name suggests, the theme of the night was red, which reflects the color’s significance since the early days of the AIDS crisis. While iconic red ribbons of the past were gone, they were replaced with head-to-toe red outfits. “It makes me feel so proud. I knew South Florida would show up and show out with their outfits. Everyone was dressed to the nines. There was creativity. There was comfy cozy, chic, elegance, rock, and leather. My heart was filled to see all the beauty in one room having the time of their lives.”

Getting the Party Started

The night began with VIPs grabbing a drink and boarding shuttles at Hunters Nightclub. Once they arrived at the DCOTA, there were light appetizers, an open bar, and fabulous entertainment. Velvet LeNore hosted the night with her trademark classy-yet-sassy attitude. The Synergy Twins had the crowd dancing anywhere they could find a spot.

A showstopper was country music star Billy Gilman. His vocals are as strong as ever and the genuine emotions behind his words hit home. Gilman told OutClique the fight against HIV/AIDS is as important now as it was twenty, thirty, and even forty years ago. “I try to find songs that have a message of help and people recognize that now more than ever in the climate of our world.”

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis showed up to issue a proclamation, recognizing what WAM means to the community. “This is us. This is all part of who we are as a community and I’m devoted to our community and I need to be here.”

Dyer says the event has already raised $100,000 and is making a final push for another $25,000. All the money will be matched by AHF through the Florida AIDS Walk. “Ending the epidemic of HIV must be a collective fight. Everyone supporting this, especially for the first time, will always be remembered.”