Fortitude is a new GLBT benefit weekend featuring over 12 events throughout Fort Lauderdale during President’s Day Weekend (February 17 -21, 2011).  Fortitude includes a film festival, comedy night, live concert, Women’s and Men’s pool parties, sunset cocktails, brunch, and nightclub/bar events. Taylor Dayne is one of the premiere performers at FORTROCKS, an incredible One-Night Only concert also featuring Deborah Cox, Martha Wash, Ari Gold, Halcyon, Brian Kent and surprise guest performances at War Memorial Auditorium located at 800 NE 8th St in Fort Lauderdale. FORTROCKS is Sunday, February 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Taylor Dayne talked to Mark's List about the upcoming show:

What does it mean to you to be a part of Fortitude Weekend?

I’m honored to be a part of such a great event.  Nick and Cindy approached me about performing and I didn’t hesitate to say yes and come out to support.  Everything that Fortitude stands for is empowering, we all deserve to be treated equally, and this weekend will bring awareness to rights that people are still fighting for. 
 
What is the most important thing to you about participating in an event like this and what kind of message do you want to send?

I have a few friends that are living with HIV so the disease hits home.  I think it’s important to raise awareness, and this event will help do that.  I think the message people need to hear is that it’s great to raise awareness, but we also have to take action and that’s what Fortitude is doing.
 
What are you hoping the audience takes away from your performance and the event as a whole?

I want people to leave inspired and motivated.  I want to inspire them to take action and create change and of course I want them to have a great time! 
 
Do you think events like this spread a more positive message about HIV/AIDS to the general public? How do you think the public's image about HIV/AIDS has changed over the last few decades? 

I think it all goes back to what I touched on earlier.  We’re more aware of people living with HIV and how they lead normal lives and are still just like all of us, and because we’re talking about it now there’s not so much of a stigma to it. We have much more information today than we did a few decades ago, even a few years ago.  We have a much better understanding of it.
 
Will you be a part of future Fortitude Events?

Absolutely!