By Nicholas Snow
My impression is that Gilles Denizot would never declare himself to be the “General” of the Red Ribbon Army (a Facebook page with an astounding membership of over 500,000), but you could in all honesty call him the communications officer. Not only does he often post breaking related news to the group, but each member is free to do the same – a true community service, social networking style.
Born in Geneva, Switzerland, and from a multicultural background, Gilles has both French and Swiss citizenships. He now resides in Hamburg, Germany.
“I never officially came out, as I never felt the need to,” explained Gilles. “I understand and respect the fact that many need to come out and tell. I commend their courage. I simply did not feel the need to tell to be approved or to build my identity. I am much more than my sexuality. And my sexuality does not define me.”
Gilles has many passions including opera, overturning the death penalty worldwide, and empowering the fight against HIV/AIDS. “I use my voice for equal human rights for all human beings,” he stressed.
“I was born in a family of artists,” elaborated Gilles. “My great-grandfather was a famous tenor and general manager of the Geneva Grand Théâtre. My grandfather was a professional clarinet player. He taught me how to read a score before I knew how to write, and he also gave me my first lessons in violin, piano, and singing. I guess I was destined to become a singer too and rapidly began performing in major venues worldwide. I then was fortunate to grow into a voice teacher and also began staging opera.”
How has HIV/AIDS impacted and influenced Gilles’ life? When and for how long has he been an activist?
“I have been an activist against HIV/AIDS since 1992,” explained Gilles. “In 1993, I traveled to New York to locate music by composers who were hit by HIV/AIDS. We have lost most of them now, but I keep their music alive by singing in the annual ‘NYC Day Without Art/World AIDS Day concert‘ I am also featured on the CD “Sudden Sunsets,” a 1995 live performance recorded at Lincoln Center NYC, with works by the late Chris DeBlasio on poetry by my friend Perry Brass.”
About his social networking success, Gilles shared, “In November 2008, we created the group ‘World AIDS Day 2008: Wear A Red Ribbon on Facebook!’ with the simple premise of spreading awareness of HIV/AIDS and remembering lost loved ones by switching our profile pictures collectively for December 1st (World AIDS Day or WAD). Note that we did it again in 2009 and we will do it again this year. The group quickly evolved, becoming not only a hub for information on HIV&AIDS, WAD initiatives and events worldwide, but also a place for members to share their experiences of HIV/AIDS and to leave tributes for loved ones they have lost.”
“On December 1st, 2008, less than four weeks after creation,” he continued, “the group was 240,000 strong and had to be turned into a page. The sea of red ribbons was amazing to see rippling across Facebook. We are now over 500,000 and I have also created Twitter and YouTube accounts for the RRA (Red Ribbon Army). I believe the RRA touches both PLWHA (People Living With HIV/AIDS) and individuals who simply want to learn more about HIV/AIDS and show solidarity.”
“Acceptance and respect for and from all RRA members is paramount,” stressed Gilles, “I strictly monitor the page to avoid heinous comments. I am proud to say that in most cases, RRA members reply immediately to such comments and I appreciate the high quality level of information they share. To administrate a page with so many articulate and responsible members is the sign of a successful social network presence.”
And of course, my standard question, “What gives you courage and hope?”
“I have courage because I am not alone,” responded Gilles. “I have hope because I see others joining to make our world better for us all. We are all connected even if you don’t see that we are. As my friend Bill Pelke always says, ‘The answer is love and compassion for all of humanity.’”
You may follow Gilles at gillesdenizot.com/blog, and I would like to invite you to enlist in the force where there
is no Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, Facebook.com/TheRedRibbonArmy.
SnowBiz Florida Agenda
Follow Nicholas Snow online at www.Facebook.com/SnowbizNow, www.Twitter.com/SnowbizNow, and at www.SnowbizNow.com. Follow “The Power To Be Strong” HIV Testing/ Safer Sex Awareness Campaign at www.Facebook.com/PowerToBeStrong.