Georgia leads the country in reported HIV cases, and while significant strides in care and prevention have been made since the early days of the AIDS crisis, stigma still keeps many from seeking HIV health care. In an effort to combat this stigma, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation is bridging the gap between sex education and entertainment with their traveling show “Ohh Mamma!” which will be concluding its five-city tour in Atlanta on March 1.
Based on the Broadway show “Mamma Mia!”, “Ohh Mamma!” is a burlesque-inspired spectacle complete with glamorous costumes, show-stopping sets, and sexy performances, all interwoven with messages of sexual health and wellness.
“We’re giving people information, but we’re doing it in a way that’s really fun and relaxing, while embracing everyone’s sexuality and all the things you can think of that can turn you on,” Sharon Ferguson, one of the dancers better known by her stage name Pussy Control, told Georgia Voice. “We’re showing people a way to have fun and still be safe… You can have fun sexually, you can do all the things, you just have to think about how safe you’re going to be doing all the things.”
Headlining the performance will be “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 6” winner and Georgia native Kylie Sonique Love.
“It’s such an honor, and I’m so grateful to be able to come back [to Atlanta] and do something so special for the community – just not one part of the community, but the entire community, it speaks to everybody,” she said.
The show promises to be a fun and sexy space where people can be themselves and connect with others who lead with love.
“One of the things we really stress is come as you are and come as who you are, in all the richness and [beauty] and diversity of who you are,” Imara Canady, the National Director of Community Engagement and Communications at AHF, said. “It’s a judgment-free zone. When we talk about sexually transmitted infections like HIV, it does not discriminate… At the end of the day, we’re all just human beings wanting to be loved.”
“Ohh Mamma!” comes to The Dome – located directly across the street from the Signia hotel in Downtown– on March 1. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and there will be pre-show activities before the show starts at 8 p.m. The performance is 18+, but there will be no nudity. Tickets are free; you can get yours here.
Visit aidshealth.org to learn about and support AHF’s various programs, and take the first step in combatting HIV and STI stigma by getting tested.
“One of the greatest things you can do to support AHF and support our community is to know your status and get tested,” Canady said. “You cannot empower yourself to change the narrative if you don’t first know your status.”
To find an HIV testing center near you, visit hivcare.org/locations.
