Amsterdam Dinner Foundation – HIV stigmafighter

Last night, the Amsterdam Dinner Event once again proved its power as the Netherlands’ largest annual fundraiser for innovative, life-saving HIV initiatives. This year’s focus, PrEP access, could not have been more urgent. The commitment to funding PrEP for young women and girls in Kenya and strengthening prevention here in the Netherlands is a step in the right direction.

But let’s talk about reality.

For years, grassroots activists and local HIV communities have fought tirelessly for equitable PrEP access. Yet, as Eric the Dragking pointed out yesterday, we still remain largely UNSEEN. The HIV community is not just about legacy organizations, it’s about real people in the community who bring passion, commitment, and groundbreaking innovation. And yet, when funds are raised, they overwhelmingly flow to the same few dominant players. This is a missed opportunity that keeps the status quo intact rather than fostering real change.

Our fight through PrEP Diversity has long challenged this dynamic, advocating for inclusive access and making sure the community – those most affected -have a seat at the table. Last night’s conversation with Princess Mabel affirmed something powerful: when women know about PrEP, they demand it. Visibility matters. Representation matters. Knowledge matters.

And now, €1.2 million has been raised. The question is: how will it be spent? Will it truly reach the women who need it most, or will it largely remain within the conventional circles of power? Will grassroots efforts of those closest to the communities be invited to collaborate, or will they be sidelined once again?

This is the moment to break the cycle. We are ready to work together. We already do; reaching sex workers in Burundi, supporting people living with HIV with a migrant background in the Netherlands, using talent and activism to push PrEP awareness beyond its current limitations. These are the voices that must be uplifted, because this is how we dismantle stigma and drive meaningful prevention.

So yes, thank you, Amsterdam Dinner Foundation. But let’s ensure this money creates real impact, not just reinforces old systems.

Peace,

Eric the Dragking/ HIV Stigmafighter

Hivstigmafighter ally Princess Mabel van Oranje

This weekend I was invited by Brandon O’Dell, director of the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation to celebrate 30 (!) years of support to the HIV community. And what a fantastic evening I had, together with the other 1,100 people supporting our common cause, to realise a world without HIV and AIDS.

Celebrating Life with people from different backgrounds is always very inspiring. I was happy to see so many Dutch celebrities that support us; Humberto Tan who also received the Amsterdam Dinner award in his fight against HIV stigma, Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema, my Stigmafighter ally Princess Mabel van Oranje who is a long time supporter of the HIV community, and many others.

During the event I also met our Ambassador of Hope Adam Castillejo, the London Patient, once again. We discussed a lot that evening and I am proud we will continue inspiring our HIV community. We have so many ideas and plans, I can’t wait to work on them together.

As this was a special edition, I was very honoured when asked to explain about what makes the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation so unique in a short video message directed at the audience. I was very pleased to highlight the Foundation’s role in connecting vulnerable people from the HIV community to people with a heart of gold willing to share whatever they can. I also brought a more serious message because, while we are doing ever better when it comes to HIV treatment, it is a shame that many people living with HIV and AIDS are still facing stigma. As HIV stigmafighter, this was my call for action: “Everybody present in this event, stand up against HIV stigma. We, people living with HIV, cannot win the battle without your help!” From what I saw, many people were touched by these words and I am glad my message is reaching more people. Just like for example my contribution to the Pozvibe podcast earlier this month.

In the end, the Amsterdam Dinner is also about making more possible ‘on the ground’. So, three important projects were highlighted. To make sure we continue our search for a HIV cure, to support the Aidsfonds in maintaining an emergency fund for Ukraine, and to support vulnerable children in Kenya who lost their parents due to AIDS. Together, the people present at the event raised a stunning 1.27M Euros. What a way to demonstrate my remark on the importance of connectness!

For me, a very touching part of the evening came when Roel Veltmeijer who is living with HIV for 5 years and chair of the board of the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation, shared his personal story how HIV stigma impacted his own life. This was followed by a heartbreaking video story of a young Ukranian girl born with HIV who also shared her many challenges since war broke out in Ukraine. All so emotional and really made me cry. So much work still to be done!

Luckily our spirits were lifted by the famous Eurovison songfestival winners of 2022, Kalush, and another winner, Duncan Laurence.

Amsterdam Dinner Foundation, I cannot thank you enough for the remarkable work you have done over the past 30 years. Do continue this great work for as long as it is needed and let us work together to realise our common dream to live in a World free of HIV and AIDS.

Peace,

Eliane