AWEARNESS: Tell me a little about the social issue you are most passionate about.

Periel: I'm passionate about, I think about most of the things that people with brains are passionate about -- education, global warming, the fact that people are dying, en fucking masse from AIDS & malaria for no reason (or no good reason), the war in Iraq, homelessness, lack of health care, on and on the list goes. And, naturally, given what I do, women's rights and violence against women.

AWEARNESS: Kenneth Cole became involved in AIDS awareness after seeing it wreak havoc on the fashion industry. Was there a particular person or event that inspired you to become involved?

Periel: Ever since I was in high school, I was concerned about this issue. I can't really remember a time that it wasn't on my radar, but it was undoubtedly, Leigh Blake, Founder & President of Keep A Child Alive, was the person who inspired me to really put my money where my mouth is. I designed the tee shirts for the now infamous "DRUG DEALER" campaign back in 2003 and the success of that campaign really convinced me that we can make a difference.

AWEARNESS: What are you hoping to achieve?

Periel: James Baldwin once said that if his whole house when up in flames and amongst the ashes and the ruins, someone found a stack of his work and it really made a difference in the world, he would be happy. I'd like to make a difference. I'd like to be remembered as someone who spoke her mind, made people laugh, and really had an impact.

AWEARNESS: Some 20 years later I am still shocked by the things I see and hear. What were you most surprised to learn about AIDS that you did not know?

Periel: How easy it would have been for this pandemic not to exist. When I read And the Band Played On and familiarized myself with Larry Kramer's work, I was absolutely apoplectic. It was sheer carelessness and greed that has allowed AIDS to wreak havoc on the world and, unfortunately, this continues to be the case.

AWEARNESS: What significant changes - for better or worse - have occurred since you became involved in this issue?

Periel: I'm not an expert in AIDS work, so I feel very cautious in answering this question, but from my limited perspective, it seems that while there have been great advances, we really have a long way to go. There are still millions of people dying, without access to the drugs they need. There are still millions of people who lack education and contraception. There are still way too many young gay men who are having unprotected sex.

AWEARNESS: Do you have any suggestions for people who want to get involved, but have limited time, money... or both?

Periel: It doesn't take that much time or money to get involved. You can send a mass email, have a bake sale, collect a dollar from everyone you know and make a donation. Every cent counts.

AWEARNESS: How has your involvement in AIDS influenced your life?

Periel: It's made me realize how lucky I am to be in a position to help, in whatever small way, I can.

AWEARNESS: If you could tell people one thing about volunteering, what would it be?

Periel: That nothing feels better than helping people.

AWEARNESS: And lastly... What does AWEARNESS mean to you?

Periel: I love the tag line, being aware is more important that what you wear. In a culture that is obsessed with looks, I think it's such a smart thing to say. That said, being aware OF what you wear seems important as well. . .that is why I started my tee shirt company. . .what we wear sends a strong message and using our bodies to make a statement seems like the best thing we can do with them.