Pozitive Influence

Fans of Project Runway know all about Denver’s own fashion darling, Mondo Guerra, who was a finalist last season. For one of the challenges, Mondo had to create a textile pattern using computer software. “He created this pattern that was purple squares with this plus sign all outlined in yellow, and he actually won that challenge,” notes Remigio Darby, Guerra’s personal representative. “And it became the piece, or the creation, that inspired him to disclose his HIV status; that was not necessarily something he had planned. He went into the show with the opposite intention, to keep his status very private. So it was a symbol of empowerment that he wanted to share with the world.” And that was the humble beginning of the Pozitivity Project, Guerra’s campaign to reclaim the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and to provide community support for those living with the disease. Partnering with the Colorado AIDS Project, Pozitivity will launch tonight at Wilhelmina Denver, 209 Kalamath Street, Suite 10, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Related Content

• Runway Redemption
  March 8, 2012
• Reader: Mondo should have won last time -- but at least he gets the big prize now
  March 27, 2012
• Project Runway's Mondo Guerra says he's ready for his "own show"
  March 21, 2012
• It's a celebration, bitches! Mondo Guerra wins Project Runway All Stars
  March 23, 2012
• Life is a carnival for Mondo Guerra: Party with Mondo for the Project Runway All Stars finale
  March 22, 2012

More About

• Remigio Darby
• Mondo Guerra
• Wilhelmina Denver
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Sexual and Reproductive Health

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

The event will feature a DJ, appetizers, beverages (including wine and beer), door prizes and a photo booth where people can try on a Pozitiv-a-Tee and have their picture taken. “We want to have a collection of people and faces and stories, and these kinds of experiences everyone can share,” says Darby. “We’re not saying if you wear the shirt, you’re HIV-positive — it’s not about that. It’s about having the compassion to rally around the community and really provide that kind of support that people might not feel is available.

“Mondo will be present,” Darby adds, “and everyone who purchases a ticket will receive one of the Pozitivity shirts, which is the foreground of the campaign. It’s the first opportunity for anyone to get their hands on these shirts, and we’re happy to be able to offer it to Denver first.”

Admission is $50, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit CAP; visit www.coloradoaidsproject.org to purchase tickets, and www.lovemondotrasho.com for information.
Fri., Feb. 18, 6-9 p.m., 2011