News / World AIDS Day
Bimini and Lynks to perform at World AIDS Day fundraiser in Bristol
World AIDS Day began in 1988 to advocate for AIDS awareness caused by HIV infection and remember those lost to the disease.
Once viewed as a “gay disease”, HIV has historically been associated with the queer community with the initial epidemic devastating the lives of many LGBTQ+ people.
Due to advances in medicine, the death rate from AIDs has decreased significantly. However, education is needed to erase the stigma surrounding the disease.
To commemorate the important day and raise money for HIV charity Brigstowe, Don’t Tell Your Mother is throwing a party.
DJ Liam Parsons, Rupaul’s Drag Race UK alumni Bimini and performer Lynks will be guest DJs.
‘Rupaul’s Drag Race UK’ alumni and DJ Bimini will be playing at Don’t Tell Your Mother’s World AIDS Day fundraiser – image: Don’t Tell Your Mother
Chris Morgan, from Don’t Tell Your Mother, said: “The AIDS epidemic had a huge impact on the queer community in the 1980s, and continues to do so.
“Modern medication means it’s not a life-threatening illness anymore. Also, being undetectable means you can’t pass it on.
“Educating people is important as there’s still a lot of stigma. Especially in the gay male population.”
Queer performance artist Lynks is also due to make a guest DJ appearance at the event – photo: Lily Lytton
Brigstowe was chosen by Chris due to its work in the city running peer-support groups, which offers the chance for those who have contracted HIV to speak to someone who has lived through the same experience.
The charity run campaigns to break the stigma around the disease, also providing advice and advocacy on a range of issues including healthcare, housing, welfare benefits and finances.
Chris said that Don’t Tell Your Mother has supported Brigstowe through more than a decade of hosting parties, raising more than £20,000 over the years.
Chris describes the events as “partying with purpose”, with attendees knowing their money is going to a good cause while they enjoy a great event.
Don’t Tell Your Mother has been running parties in Bristol for 11 years – photo: Andy Leake
The World AIDS Day club night fundraiser is being run in collaboration with Wake The Tiger.
Chris said: “It’s a really unique and fun setting for a party.
“We’ll have loads of performers and DJs. It’s going to be a big step up compared to other parties we’ve run.”
Speaking about the need for both education and joy, Chris continued: “HIV is prevalent among straight people as well.
“They aren’t getting tested as they don’t think it affects them. HIV doesn’t care about sexuality.
“I think it’s important to be joyful and have fun. It’s particularly queer to be reverent and positive in the face of something perceivably scary like HIV/AIDS.”
The World AIDS fundraiser takes place on Saturday, November 29, at Wake The Tiger.
For tickets, visit Headfirst, and for updates and future events from Don’t Tell Your Mother, follow them Instagram.
Main photo: Natasha Davies Walke
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