By JANINE COOPER
Observer Staff
Oct. 11, 2007

They came, they saw, and they walked for a cause. Thousands participated in the 21st Annual AIDS Walk Washington. This year, the AIDS Walk included a 5K run that started a few minutes before the walk began.

Photos by Janine Cooper.

Groups and organizations from all over Washington put teams together to participate in the walk. They ranged from sororities and fraternities to members of law offices. Many registered in advance and raised over $700,000 for the walk.

Among those who organized a team for the walk was Dixey Carter of the Academy of Washington. The Academy of Washington, Inc. is a social organization of female and male impersonators who are involved in the community. Carter is currently Miss Gaye Universe 2007, and she thinks the organization needs to be seen supporting this important effort.

“I’ve walked in this before, but just as an individual and being here representing a team makes it more important,” Carter said.

Blair Michaels is the “Best Actress” of the Academy of Washington. He has been a female impersonator for 25 years. This was his first AIDS Walk, and he said he is committed to spreading awareness about AIDS, while remembering those who have died of the disease.

“I’ve lost a lot of friends and doing charity work and being out there and being public helps it,” Michaels said. “If I can help raise money and awareness more by being in drag at eight o’clock in the morning and in heels, then I’m happy to do it.”

All of the money that was raised will benefit the Whitman-Walker Clinic, which provides HIV/AIDS assistance and support to individuals living with AIDS throughout the D.C. area.