Dance the Stigma Away
Raising Awareness Through Music, Community, and Conversation
A Night of Entertainment for a Cause
Dance the Stigma Away was created by Jordan James and Blood is Blood as a community event that brought people together through music, entertainment, and education to challenge the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS while promoting equality in blood donation.
Held on World AIDS Day 2018, the event honored those living with HIV, remembered those who had lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, and encouraged meaningful conversations about public health, inclusion, and the need for evidence-based blood donation policies.
At a time when many healthy gay and bisexual men remained unable to donate blood unless they abstained from sex for 12 months under the FDA's blood donor eligibility policy, Dance the Stigma Away served as a platform to educate the community about the impact of those restrictions while encouraging compassion, understanding, and action.
Dance the Stigma Away combined live music, drag entertainment, fundraising, and community engagement to create an evening where advocacy and celebration came together.
Guests enjoyed raffles, community activities, and two whole sets of drag performances while learning more about HIV awareness, blood donation, and Blood is Blood's mission to promote science-based, individual, risk-based donor eligibility policies.
Featured performers included:
- International recording artist Trey Pearson
- Jayme Coxx
- Veronica Lace
- Christian Gaye
- Scarlet Feva (Miss Firecracker 2018–2019)
- Somantha A. Foxx
- Summer Slayér
- Jordan James (Mr. Firecracker 2018–2019)
- Bella2Kay
- Music provided by DJ Deb
The event also welcomed the Imperial Court of Buffalo, where Linda M. Shamrock (Rex Heart) accepted donations of red scarves and hats to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and support charitable causes.
Supporting the Community
Proceeds from Dance the Stigma Away benefited both Blood is Blood and the Evergreen Health Foundation, helping support HIV/AIDS services, community education, future advocacy initiatives, and Blood is Blood's ongoing efforts to organize awareness campaigns and community blood drives.
The partnership demonstrated that advocacy for blood donation equality and support for people living with HIV could go hand in hand, strengthening both public health and community understanding.
A Lasting Legacy
Dance the Stigma Away represented more than a fundraising event—it embodied Blood is Blood's belief that education, compassion, and community engagement are powerful tools for creating change.
By bringing together performers, community organizations, volunteers, advocates, and supporters, the event challenged misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS, encouraged conversations about blood donation equality, and reminded the community that stigma has no place in healthcare.
Today, the spirit of Dance the Stigma Away continues through Blood is Blood's mission to educate the public, reduce stigma, promote blood donation, and advocate for science-based policies that ensure every eligible individual has the opportunity to help save lives. As Blood is Blood continues its mission there are hopes of bringing Dance the Stigma Away back for a special 10th Anniversary celebration on World AIDS Day 2028.
While plans are still in the early stages, the anniversary event is envisioned as an opportunity to honor the original mission of Dance the Stigma Away, recognize the progress made in HIV awareness and blood donation equality, and once again unite the community through music, entertainment, education, and advocacy.
Approximate Lives Saved
Policy Changes Influenced