Fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier has been appointed ambassador for Sidaction, a first in the history of the association fighting against AIDS, Line Renaud, vice-president and co-founder, told AFP. "Jean-Paul Gaultier joins the large Sidaction family to help us fight this scourge and help research and the sick. This is the fight of my life. Jean-Paul will play Sidaction alongside me to raise public awareness again and always, "said the singer and actress.
"It is a real chance to have him by our side, especially after this very special start to the year. We know the generosity and the big heart of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Since the disappearance of Pierre Bergé (co-founder and first president of the association, note), I needed a fighter to take over, "added Line Renaud.
"This fight is particularly close to my heart"
"I accepted immediately. The fight against AIDS is above all a personal story: this fight is particularly close to my heart. I was confronted with this scourge which took my friend away (Francis Menuge, deceased in 1990, editor's note), "said the couturier for AFP.
"I remember the rejection faced by the sick at the beginning. It always revolted me when everyone can be affected one day. I want to speak to young people and try to sensitize them because too often they think that AIDS does not concern them, "added Jean Paul Gaultier.
Nearly 6,000 contaminations each year
The designer will appear alongside Line Renaud on France 2 Thursday evening in the program 100 years of musical comedy : the stars sing for Sidaction which was originally to be broadcast in early April, before the cancellation of the Sidaction weekend in reason for confinement.
"This cancellation was terrible for Sidaction. We call on all those who wish to make a donation to use this year the association's website (www.sidaction.org)," said Line Renaud, recalling that 173,000 people live with the HIV in France, while nearly 6,000 infections are observed each year.
Jean-Paul Gaultier specially created a reusable collector mask using the motif of his famous sailor shirt. The profits will be devoted to research programs for prevention and assistance actions for people living with HIV in France and abroad.