Get ready to be dazzled this December! The Gilbert Centre is thrilled to present the highly anticipated Afternoon Drag Tea in honor of World AIDS Day on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Set the date, as you won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind event at the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie. Doors will swing open at 3:30 p.m., and the fabulous performances will kick off at 4 p.m.

This delightful afternoon promises an exciting lineup of stunning drag acts, mouth-watering tea-time delicacies, and a heartfelt celebration of the strength and resilience of the community in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Adding their star power to the event are co-hosts Linda Kash, famously known as the Philly Cream Cheese Angel, and the enchanting Shadé, celebrated for her elegance and theatrical prowess as seen on OUTtv's Drag Heals. Together, they will bring an electric atmosphere to the stage with their humor and charm that will have everyone talking long after the final performance.

But that's not all! The event also features the captivating Rosacea Cheeks, a talented drag performer and vocal advocate living with HIV. Their inspiring story serves to highlight the necessity of breaking down stigma and the power of sharing lived experiences.

Why World AIDS Day Matters

This year's World AIDS Day focuses on a human rights-based approach that advocates for equitable access to healthcare, challenges stigma, and promotes awareness about HIV. Dale Boyle, the executive director of the Gilbert Centre, emphasizes that the celebration is a vital reminder to uphold human rights for everyone, particularly those directly affected by HIV, as well as individuals from the 2S-LGBTQ+ community. Messages like "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) are at the forefront of this awareness campaign, conveying important truths about HIV transmission and the importance of treatment.

Notably, the U=U campaign sends a hopeful message, ensuring that those maintaining effective treatment for HIV cannot pass the virus to sexual partners, thereby reducing stigma and encouraging wider access to healthcare.

How You Can Contribute

Join us not only by attending but also by aiding this noble cause: - Purchase an additional ticket to support someone in need or make a direct donation to the Gilbert Centre. - Your generous contributions foster a more inclusive environment where stigma has no space and empower individuals to pursue testing and treatment without fear.

Event Details at a Glance

- **What:** Afternoon Drag Tea - **When:** Sunday, December 1, 2024 - **Where:** MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie - **Time:** Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; Show begins at 4 p.m. - **Tickets:** Don’t wait! Limited tickets available.

Join us for this vibrant occasion that celebrates love, resilience, and community spirit. Get your tickets now and help us stand united in the fight against HIV/AIDS this World AIDS Day!