November 15, 2014
The Body Launches 'Red Reminds Me' Campaign for WAD 2014
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
With World AIDS Day approaching on December 1, TheBody.com, the leading information resource on HIV/AIDS, invites patients, caregivers and the general public to do their part in helping to create awareness and change the stigma often associated with the disease.
"We are calling this the 'Red Reminds Me' campaign," writes TheBody.com. "The red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV, but the color red can mean something different, specific, and beautiful to each of us. The campaign asks, 'What is something red in your life that makes you more aware of HIV and its global presence?'"
Based on HIV's groundbreaking emblem, the red ribbon, the Red Reminds Me photo contest asks the public to transform the stigma related to HIV through positive and inspirational visuals by sharing a photo that incorporates the color red, while sharing their opinions about the current state of HIV and how it affects them using the hashtag #RedRemindsMe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Each submission will help demonstrate the vast populations of HIV/AIDS and the overall impact the epidemic has had in our families, in our communities and across society.
Kicking off the campaign is an entry submission example from Jack Mackenroth, best known for his appearance on "Project Runway" and for being an active HIV advocate.
To participate, people can simply submit their photos and captions via The Body's World AIDS Day site, Facebook page, or by using the #RedRemindsMe hashtag on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook from November 15-December 12. Public voting will run from December 13-31.
The three most creative photos will be announced the week of January 12. One grand prize winner will be awarded two tickets to the Lifebeat pre-VMA Concert which features popular music artists. Past performers include Sam Smith, Iggy Azalea, Maroon 5, Ke$ha and many more. The Body will also cover the cost of their flight and hotel.
"World AIDS Day is a time of heightened attention to HIV/AIDS, and we hope this campaign will be of interest to your organization and of benefit to your community," writes TheBody.com. "By submitting photos and captions, participants will help demonstrate the vast populations this disease and the broad spectrum of impact the epidemic has had in our families, in our communities and across society."
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
