Beiruting News

Initiator of ColoRED, Moe Khadra volunteered for a HIV test 'live' on stage at the first ever 'RED' fundraising party  for an HIV/AIDS  awareness campaign.

HIV and AIDS were put to the test recently, at the first ever RED Party held at Sky Bar Beirut, when Lebanese fashion designer and initiator of ColoRED Moe Khadra volunteered for an HIV test 'live' on stage.  


RED party was created by ColoRED, a society whose aim is to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, while simultaneously rebelling against prejudice. All money raised at the RED party was donated to MARSA sexual health center in Beirut. ColoRED also provides support for NGOs. 


ColoRED' first appeared six months ago when Moe Khadra created a 'like' page on facebook, inviting friends and people to upload 'red' images. 'It was just a vague idea back then,' he says     '...and it would have remained just an idea [on facebook] had I not met the dedicated team who helped me take this idea and give it roots.' The team, and now cofounders of ColoRED, includes Moe Khadra, Paola Rebeiz, Tony Khayat, Emile Meouchy, Amine Boulos and Manal Abou Mrad Moubarak, all of whom worked tirelessly on different aspects of the event.


The Red party, which drew a crowd of 650 plus and included people from abroad, as well as many Ambassadors, was an HIV/AIDS charity event with a difference. 'Unlike the usual charity event, there was a distinct party vibe throughout the entire evening,' said Moe Khadra, who, when he is not busy with ColoRED, runs his own fashion design label, MOK.


The party began around 10pm with Al Majd Dance, Baalbek performing dabkeh on the bar itself. Co-presenters May Ziadé  and Derek A. Issacs introduced the party's cause, as well as its initiator Moe Khadra. 


Also on stage was HIV/Aids specialist Dr. Jacques Mokhbad, who urged the crowd not to be afraid to have an HIV test, since, according to Dr. Mokhbad, rates of HIV infection are on a  global decline - yet on the increase in Lebanon.

Taking him up on his offer, Moe Khadra volunteered to have an HIV test 'live' on stage. The test was carried out by a MARSA representative in the presence of Dr. Jacques Mohkbad, and in front of the 650 plus partygoers. 


Speaking about why he volunteered to take the test publically Moe said, 'I wanted to illustrate how easy, quick and painless it is to have an HIV test. You no longer have to wait an agonizing three days before knowing the results. It takes just twelve minutes and is free of charge.' Moe was also keen to point out that MARSA also offered expert, psychological support for people suffering any sexually transmitted disease, including HIV and Aids. 


Throughout the night the singer Maya Diab and indie music band Pindoll took to the stage, along with belly dancer 'Randa'. Tombola ran through the evening, offering valuable prizes that had been donated. Instructively digital wall projections ensured people knew why they had attended.



'The 'party' was handled intelligently,' said Moe Khadra '...and there were no grand sermons. Our aim was to promote HIV awareness, not to frighten people away. The information was there and it was all delivered in a fun yet absorbable manner.' 



The coloured steering group also mentioned that attendees of the Red Party included people who were living with the virus and that they found the event therapeutic, felt loved and accepted. 


Looking to the future the ColoRED steering group intends to document the RED party to send overseas. As for the next party, 'There will be more international guests', says Moe. 'We are looking forward to holding small events across the Middle East, such as in Dubai, thereby, creating one big Red Party annually. We also want to explore other aspects of HIV and AIDS, such as researching instances of children living with the virus, and prisoners,' Moe concludes. 


All money raised at the RED party was donated to MARSA sexual health centre in Beirut. For more information go to coloredng.com