The red lights will be ON across Tāmaki Makaurau for World AIDS Day 2026, so, in partnership with our Aotearoa Ballroom Scene, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa presents:

THE RED RIBBON BALL

A night of Remembrance, Celebration & Empowerment!

This WORLD AIDS DAY event honours the history and the fight against HIV/AIDS, evident not only here in Aotearoa, but across the globe.

We recognise the voices of every person who is living with HIV to this day, and we pay tribute to the legacy of ballroom communities. Red Ribbon Ball builds bridges between our communities, reflecting our commitment to equal sexual health access for all.

Join us to celebrate and uplift the community excellence within the Aotearoa Ballroom Scene!

The Ballroom Scene

Black & Latino queer/trans communities in the US served as spaces of refuge and belonging. Today, ballroom houses represent authentic chosen families - spaces where members are empowered to strut their authentic selves.

The scene, despite losing icons and pioneers to AIDS-related illnesses during peeks of the pandemic, continues to uplift queer indigenous communities worldwide. Rising from where racial, sexual, and gender identity intersects, our foundation acknowledges the rich whakapapa of our ballroom scene.

Be sure to wear your Red Ribbon in honour and support of HIV/AIDS awareness! From there, bear witness to the movement that brings purpose and legacy to the floor. 

(Aotearoa Ballroom Scene members can contact @burnettaotearoa or @samoraaaaaaa on Instagram to request the community discount code) 

This is an R18 event

Judges Panel: 

- Sparkle D’ELAMOUR 

- Mother Raveena IMAN (Aotearoa Edition) 

- Mother Kaisindra LEPOU-KHAN 

- The 'Other' Mother Princess OFA KORS 

- Lewa COVEN-AUCOIN 

- Rodrigo Olin (MIPA/BFA)   

Facilitators:

MC (Mistress of Ceremony):

- SAMORA OO7 

CHANTERS (Commentators):

- Mother SISTRAH Chanel 

- SISTRAH Gardinia

DJ:

- BLUSH