Fast on the heals of their very successful STOP SUPERVIRUS campaign, the LACE grannies quickly redirected their AIDS awareness efforts towards those at highest risk in the mainstream; high school and college age young people.

Still officially adorned with their Safe Sex Suffragette sashes, Edna, Maud, Pearl and Agnes hit the night club and dance scene; encouraging young people about town to “exercise your right to be responsible.”

The LACE scooters were equipped with the trademark sirens and revolving lights along  with “Stop Unsafe Sex” posters, mounted in front and emblazoned with the message:  “PLAY SAFELY.”

While LACE grannies were a particular hit with the young ladies (some even requested make-up and fashion tips), the young men at risk quickly realized these professional spokes characters were not a “drag,” and fell over each other to buy drinks for the ever-engaging Ladies Auxiliary.

Most importantly, LACE was able to use their whacky appearance and humorous style in a non-threatening manner to draw both public and individual attention to the very real dangers of unsafe sex practices.

Overheard in various night spots:

Pearl:  “Do I come here often?”

Agnes:  “My dear, I always wear gloves in bars—in case anyone steps on my hands on the way out…”

Edna:  “Honey, they called ‘Speakeasies’ in the old days because the next morning, you were pleading, “Speak easy, speak easy!”

Maud:  “No, I will NOT stretch out my arms so you can frisk me for weapons—why the very idea!”

photo by Tofutofu83