World AIDS Day, December 1st

[Diva]

Here is a > > Valuable Link (http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/getinvolved/world-aids-day?Open&campaign=11381415&cmp=KNC-11381415) < < for this horrible pandemic.

Also, if You'd like to remember someone we have lost to this dreadful disease, feel free to honor their memory here.

The first time I was touched by AIDS was when my dear friend Bob was diagnosed. He went pretty quickly, it felt like to me. But I really think he chose not to tell us until there was no hiding it. Bob called me by my full name, loved my girls like they were his, gave me the color combination for my hair (which I use to this day) and was a total fanatic about The Broadway Musical. I was honored to have been asked to be by his side when he crossed over and again when I sang at his memorial service. He asked for "Somewhere" from West Side Story. Since then, I have lost many friends to AIDS, but none touched me quite like Bob.

I miss You, Roberto Jorge.....<smile>

[Cyclopea]

Top rated AIDS charities from charitywatch.org:

American Social Health Association B+
Bailey House (formerly AIDS Resource Center) B
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation A–
Foundation for AIDS Research (formerly AMFAR) B+
Gay Men's Health Crisis A–

For those who can give this year...
:rrose:

Groups included on the Top-Rated list generally spend 75% or more of their budgets on programs, spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support, do not hold excessive assets in reserve, and receive "open-book" status for disclosure of basic financial information and documents.

Thank You Diva.

[Pixie]

Thank you Diva dear for this thread.

I have not had anyone truly die yet from AIDS but I have a few close friends fighting it as we speak. The closest to me is Ajay, someone who has been as family. Showing me hope in myself, giving me life. His diagnosis came as a surprise to him and all of us. And since, he has in theory lost his life. I know that I want nothing more then to give him hope, purpose, and joy for each day. I try to smother him gently with love so he knows he isn't alone. For each day we wake up it is meant to live and enjoy, to the fullest. My thoughts are with him, and all who have been affected by this disease.

[weatherboi]

Thanks to Dive who is always so thoughtful. Her attention to others is admirable!!
Thanks to all who post here.

Thanks Monroe for all the great guidance you gave me in my youth. You took a chance on at 16 by giving me a job on the weekends picking up glasses in the club so I would not feel so alone and get into anymore trouble than I already was into. You influenced me and your Mom nurtured me. I honor you both. Part of me is who I am because of you.

Trixy, you left this earth way too soon, but not without leaving a lasting impression. There are no guys that can wear a big pink upside down triangle necklace like you. Thanks for giving me a skill so that I could make a better living for myself when I was away at college. You were my friend and mentor. I honor you.

Hey Steve! Highschool buddy. You went way to soon. When I see your Mom around town she never forgets me, even though my appearance has changed so much. She always brings up those fake ID's we made in highschool. Oy Vey she was pissed. Einstein a go go and all the dancing we did. On my worst days I feel your prsence. You told me you'd always be there. Thanks for keeping your word!!

You were my first Gays,
You will be my last Gays!
Until we meet again!
Cheers Boys!!

[Cyclopea]

Great posts...
Thank you.
:stillheart:

[Toughy]

as I say every year and write on every signature panel at every AIDS Memorial Quilt display

well boys and girls here we are again

I want all my friends back


remember their names

[Toughy]

and.........

my sonny boy.......my child..........I miss you and I want you back..............

[Dean Thoreau]

My daughter Lora died on World AIDS Day ......many years ago.
She was in the 8th grade, loved to play field hockey, had a wild sense of humor and was born HIV+
Lora was the second child I buried due to this horrendous disease. john was 7 and had died 10 years before she did.



I hate this disease........the stigma it still carries...that people are still dying because of this disease and children are being born infected with it...that I can not even find a red magnetic ribbon for my car...but you can find one of every other color!

I miss my children, i miss the friends i have lost, i am tired of making quilts...
First quilt I ever made was for my oldest daughters birth mother...she died of aids 3 months after my daughter was born... i am rambling....sorry

[weatherboi]

Hey Folks!!!
Bump!!!


Thanks to Dive who is always so thoughtful. Her attention to others is admirable!!
Thanks to all who post here.

Thanks Monroe for all the great guidance you gave me in my youth. You took a chance on at 16 by giving me a job on the weekends picking up glasses in the club so I would not feel so alone and get into anymore trouble than I already was into. You influenced me and your Mom nurtured me. I honor you both. Part of me is who I am because of you.

Trixy, you left this earth way too soon, but not without leaving a lasting impression. There are no guys that can wear a big pink upside down triangle necklace like you. Thanks for giving me a skill so that I could make a better living for myself when I was away at college. You were my friend and mentor. I honor you.

Hey Steve! Highschool buddy. You went way to soon. When I see your Mom around town she never forgets me, even though my appearance has changed so much. She always brings up those fake ID's we made in highschool. Oy Vey she was pissed. Einstein a go go and all the dancing we did. On my worst days I feel your prsence. You told me you'd always be there. Thanks for keeping your word!!

You were my first Gays,
You will be my last Gays!
Until we meet again!
Cheers Boys!!

[weatherboi]

bump bump bump



Hey Folks!!!
Bump!!!

[katsarecool]

It is a terrible disease. I was working at a hospital in Atlanta (Crawford Long Hospital part of Emory Univ) when the AIDS epidemic first made the news. I believe it was 1981 or 82 when we first began to see patients with this disease; back then it was called GRID and it was terrifying seeing all these young men coming into the hospital to die. This hospital worked closely with the CDC here in Atlanta and we had doctors from there in our unit daily to see our patients and consult right there in the unit. I was privy to some very interesting conversations between the specialists at the time.

I have lost so many friends to this disease it is hard to remember them all and that is a sad sad thing. I also used to manage an apartment community in Atlanta and I actually sought out gay men for residents. So many of them have passed away as well. My daughter and I became involved in their lives; sitting with the sick ones while their partners ran errands, had lunch or dinner with friends.

What wonderful times when the new drugs came out and so many are living long and happy lives now. How things have changed for the better!!!

[diamondrose]

I'v had and known a few people in my life that struggled with AIDS and passed away. Also, some of my close friends have lost their siblings to AIDS.

[WolfyOne]

I had a cousin that died from Aids in the 80's. He was in Peter Pan with Sandy Duncan back in the day as a dancer and also danced in Grease with John Travolta(my mom could always pick him out in the movie, but I can't). He had a kid show in Chicago called the Magic Door on Sunday mornings. I miss him very much. He was the one person that held my maternal family together. Because he knew he'd die someday, he planned his own funeral. I'll never hear the the song Somewhere Over The Rainbow without thinking of him as he had a violinist play it at his funeral.

In memory of my cousin Bobby Cook, who is missed by many

[rlin]

the fact that its hard to find a red ribbon isnt lost on me... i think that with the new cocktails ppl became complacent... they arent as afraid anymore...
but... its not over... it hasnt gotten better...
the stigma associated with this is as bad as it ever was...
this world... and especially my area... the southern us... needs to be educated so badly...
i havent seen a good scary as hell poster in years... it scares me...

[LipstickLola]

My cousin, that I spoke of in another thread, died from AIDS in the 80's.
He was a professionally trained musician. His voice was nothing short of magnificent. I'd give my right arm to hear him again......

In memory of my cousin PH.
With love always, until we meet again. ox

[Passionaria]

Wednesday, December 1 · 7:00pm - 8:30pm

First English Lutheran Church (http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-English-Lutheran-Church/114131151952441)
3001 Whitis Ave.
Austin, TX

One World AIDS Day, December 1, The Care Communities holds, in collaboration with other HIV/AIDS related organizations, a Service of Remembrance & Hope. It is an opportunity to be together in community with others who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
For more details about the Service, contact Roger Temme, Outreach Director, at roger@thecarecommunities.org or 459-5883.

[Niceguy]

The largest traveling section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt is on display on the grounds of the Clinton Library. At midnight tonight, local people began reading names of people who have died from AIDS. The reading will continue throughout the night (in below freezing temps) and end at midnight tomorrow night.

http://www.todaysthv.com/video/default.aspx#/News/World%20AIDS%20Day/53098765001/52747342001/693642918001

[weatherboi]

bump!!!!
this is awesome!!!!

The largest traveling section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt is on display on the grounds of the Clinton Library. At midnight tonight, local people began reading names of people who have died from AIDS. The reading will continue throughout the night (in below freezing temps) and end at midnight tomorrow night.

http://www.todaysthv.com/video/default.aspx#/News/World%20AIDS%20Day/53098765001/52747342001/693642918001

[weatherboi]

http://northeastfloridaworldaidsweek.com/images/aids_front_big.gif

[rlin]

The largest traveling section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt is on display on the grounds of the Clinton Library. At midnight tonight, local people began reading names of people who have died from AIDS. The reading will continue throughout the night (in below freezing temps) and end at midnight tomorrow night.

http://www.todaysthv.com/video/default.aspx#/News/World%20AIDS%20Day/53098765001/52747342001/693642918001

the sad part is that in all that time they will not be able to name all the ppl that have been lost to this disease...
we need to remember... we can do something about this now... talk to your reps... red or blue... just give it a shot...

[waxnrope]

An ecumenical service at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, S.F. A service of remembrance and hope. I will be one of the storytellers, after spending nearly 20 of first years of this epidemic as a healthcare provider.

It is extremely important for religious entities to be involved in a non-judgmental, welcoming, and affirming, especially in light of HIV. Especially, in my experience, so many POC with HIV either remain church connected to, or conflicted by some denominations stand on homosexuality. Contrary to the uninformed beliefs of many, not all Christian denominations condemn homosexuality. Like the democrats, I fear that we, progressive Christians, don't make as much noise!

In Oakland, CA, the HIV prevelance continues among African Americans and with new cases, women. The straight to gay ratio is nearly parallel. As in southern hemisphere countries, HIV is not just a disease of homosexuality. Ok. I'm done :lol2: Just a topic near and dear. I lost my brother and favorite nephew to AIDS.

[weatherboi]

This is what is happening in our area.

http://jacksonville.com/news/health-and-fitness/2010-11-29/story/prevention-focus-world-aids-week

[SimpleAlaskanBoy]

While persuing my degree in Human Services, back in the late 90's, early 00's, I was lucky enough to do one of my practicums at the Interior AIDS Association in Fairbanks, Alaska. I will never forget the brave people I met there that shared their stories with me, and how really isolated we were as an organization due to our location and resources. Looking at their website now, I am glad to see that is changing.
You can check out their website at www.interioraids.org/index.html
~SAB

[WolfyOne]

My stepmom used to give her time at the Howard Brown Clinic in Chicago before she retired and moved away......
.....I love her for so many reasons and this is just one of them :)

[The_Lady_Snow]

Mi querido Francés,

No hay ningún día que no pienso de ti. Aveces te siento tan adentro de mi alma que me deja sin aire. No puedo poner en palabras el hollo que tu muerte dejo en mi corazón.

Tu memoria vive en mi, mi carrera y en el entrene de los que siguen con tus costumbres. En este día de recuerdo y cada día antes y después tu memoria vive en mi como lumbre.

Siempre contigo en servicio y amor,

Tu Nieve Caprichuda

[Sparkle]

Images from World AIDS Day 2010

http://www.boston.com/news/world/gallery/120110_World_AIDS_Day/?p1=News_links

[rlin]

this guy is named mark king... he has a blog called My Fabulous Disease... he is also one of the most eloquent speakers ever... read this (http://networkedblogs.com/b7oBs)and know what i am talking about... it is maybe the best most honest pc i have read on this subject... ever...

[Julie]

When I was 17 years old... I was living on the streets in Hollywood and was taken in by Jimmy and Keith. And so, they became the parents this little lost girl needed in her life. If it had not been for them... I would have died - they saved my life.

So, I say to you James C. Hunt my Mother who would send me to the Bath Houses to get Keith Daudermann my Father, to bring him home for dinner.. That I love you both everyday. That I miss you both so much. While you seemed so much older than me - in fact, you were only 28 & 29 when you brought me home. And those fucking orgies. You certainly gave me an education. I miss you!

It was about 1980 - do you remember... You showed me the LA Times and on the cover - NEW GAY CANCER. We had no idea what it meant then. We do now.

Jimmy and Keith... It has been 20 years now, since I lost you -- I cannot believe it. I still have photos and photos of you with Jacob. Such proud Grandpa's.

I worked for GMHC as a Buddy in 1983 - I was the only female there at the time and was not so welcomed... But my friend John Campanella who was one of the original founders of the buddy program believed I would do good. I was only 22 and not prepared emotionally for this journey I was to take. First rule - do not love the PWA you are to care for. I loved David Vargas and he became my brother. For the next 5 years until his death, I was his. I miss you David and I miss you John. You were a great teacher and helped me during my own period of growth.

Danny... You brought such joy and love into my home and the lives of my children. Thank you for sharing your last moments with me. I hope you carried your sweater with you. I can still see you and Jacob on the front steps, having intense conversations about death and dying. You were the first person they lost, and while Bennie does not remember (he was 3) Jacob (who was 5) still remembers you. Always, I will miss you.

There are hundreds others... who have come into my life and left their beautiful gifts of themselves with me and my boys. I miss them all.

I was so fortunate to be a part of GMHC in the early 80's, during much of their growth. To be part of such a group of people who believed in what they were doing. Today, they do even more amazing work.

May the eternal light shine on each and every one of our friends and family we have lost. May they rest in peace, knowing how deeply loved they are.

[nowandthen]

Allyson H,Dean,Carl C,Charlie D,Gentry C, Marc S,Trex,Ron,Paul,George,Bill, Carlos, Charles H (Chas),Marc,Shane,Alf, Joel,Pat and Her Husband,Jim L,Chris C,Cowboy Tom, Micheal N, Rick,Larry, (Tim,Daniel,Kenny, my roommates 82),Daniel,Larry B, Daniel,Steven K,David S, Ken, Keith( who gave me the best Bubble bath ever),Patrick H and Larry L (Owners of Tugs),Randi, Chrystal Lane, Stephen C, Daniel Ray, Bryon, Jim N, George,Sidney F, Geoffrey Chew,Fergie, Ron

[rlin]

a wonderful set of pics (http://news.ca.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=26587467) showing how some of the world showed up...

http://blstb.msn.com/i/9D/158D587980D84499191F2188E21.jpg

[weatherboi]

Today is a day to remember!!!
My eyes will remain full and my heart will beat heavier!!!

https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQEq9vltvj3JK6Er13Fk2J1xnQCc5Gke 7NUAPYd74YmiIaSfXAe3g

[weatherboi]

http://lawrenceville.patch.com/articles/world-aids-day-2011-getting-to-zero-a279ab2e


On the first of December, World AIDS Day is celebrated. This day is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to remember those who have died of the disease and to celebrate accomplishments, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.

Today, despite advances in HIV treatment and in laws designed to protect those living with HIV; many people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV or about the stigma and discrimination that remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is an important reminder to individuals and governments that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is "Getting to Zero." After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the focus is on achieving 3 targets: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.

Zero New HIV Infections

It is estimated that 33.3 million people have HIV worldwide, with 1.2 million persons who are living with HIV in the United States, according to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) estimates. This number is expected to continue to increase over time, as advances in treatments prolong the lives of those who are infected and more people become infected with HIV each year. Despite increases in the total number of people in the U.S. living with HIV infection in recent years, the annual number of new HIV infections has remained relatively stable. However, new infections continue at far too high of a level, with approximately 50,000 Americans becoming infected with HIV each year. Worldwide, the rate of new infections, or incidence, has decreased. In 33 countries, the incidence has decreased more than 25 percent since 2001, including countries in the hardest hit areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

The CDC estimates that one in five people living with HIV in the U.S. are unaware of their infection. This highlights the importance of reaching all infected individuals with HIV testing and prevention services. HIV can be transmitted in three main ways: sexual transmission; transmission through blood; and mother-to-child transmission. These three routes of transmission work in tandem to affect segments of the population. The number of infections resulting from each route will vary greatly between countries and population groups. HIV counseling and testing are fundamental for HIV prevention, as is access to essential commodities such as condoms or sterile injecting equipment.

Zero Discrimination

According to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, "Stigma remains the single most important barrier to public action. It is a main reason why too many people are afraid to see a doctor to determine whether they have the disease, or to seek treatment if so. It helps make AIDS the silent killer, because people fear the social disgrace of speaking about it, or taking easily available precautions. Stigma is a chief reason why the AIDS epidemic continues to devastate societies around the world."

Discrimination against those infected with HIV/AIDS includes both the fear of getting the disease and also negative assumptions about people who are infected. AIDS-related stigma has had a profound effect on the epidemic’s course. The World Health Organization cites fear of stigma and discrimination as the main reason why people are reluctant to be tested, to disclose their HIV status or to take antiretroviral drugs.

"We can fight stigma. Enlightened laws and policies are key. But it begins with openness, the courage to speak out. Schools should teach respect and understanding. Religious leaders should preach tolerance. The media should condemn prejudice and use its influence to advance social change, from securing legal protections to ensuring access to health care." Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Zero AIDS Related Deaths

More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus worldwide, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. In the US, nearly 594,500 people with AIDS in the US have died since the epidemic began.

The goal of ‘Zero AIDS Related Deaths’ signifies an increased access to available treatments for all those infected. Currently, only one third of the 15 million people living with HIV worldwide who are in need of life long treatment are receiving it. Universal access to antiretroviral treatments for those living with HIV will not only decrease the number of AIDS related deaths, but will increase the quality of life among those infected and decrease transmission.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for all of us to learn the facts about HIV. By increasing the understanding of how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today-we can use this knowledge to take care of our own health and the health of others.

For more facts about HIV/AIDS and where to get tested, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/hiv.

[*Anya*]

In memory of David, who died in 1985 and his lover Barry, who died a year later of AIDS. Virtually their entire circle of friends died within those two years. All lived in the Silverlake area of LA.

And for all those I did not know personally.

[The_Lady_Snow]

I miss you Sir....


http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs12/f/2006/337/b/e/AIDS_by_edubz02.jpg

[Scuba]

Dedicated to Timothy Newman (1965-1994)....you are missed my good friend!

[Toughy]

as I say every year and write on every signature panel at every AIDS Memorial Quilt display

well girls and boys.... here we are again

I want all my friends back

and

Joey, my sonny boy.......my child..........I miss you terribly

remember their names

[The_Lady_Snow]

Hershey residents torn on school's decision to ban HIV student



Posted: Dec 02, 2011 10:08 PM EST Updated: Dec 03, 2011 5:16 PM EST

By Gretchen Gailey -

HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) - Residents of the Chocolate Capital are giving their thoughts on Milton Hershey School's decision to deny the application of a Philadelphia boy who tested positive for HIV. Several thought the school's decision was wrong. A petition has begun online and thousands across the nation are signing up and saying it's wrong.
"Just being around someone that is HIV positive isn't going to put you at risk for having it,"said Najiba Emabi of Mechanicsburg.

But that's not a risk that the Milton Hershey School is willing to take.

"He should have the opportunity with the AIDS thing and unfortunately it's been around for a number of years now. I think we have controls in place. It's sad to see someone excluded because of that," said Steve Klick of Hershey.

"I think it's a bad idea that they wouldn't allow him in, especially with all the knowledge that they have today and all the precautions that people know how to take, I just think they should have allowed him to get into the school,' said Debbie Hagan of Mechanicsburg.

A petition has started on the web site www.change.org (http://www.change.org), asking people to stop discriminating against an HIV positive 13-year old. It says, "It is particularly disappointing to see such small-minded bigotry promoted by an educational institution."

The petition received more than 2,000 signatures in less than 24 hours. Some disagree and say the school needs to think about the other students' safety first.

"For someone who has a disability, I can understand they should be allowed to be in a school, but when you've got a communicable disease that could potentially be spread to other people. I have a problem with that," said Paul Rabon of Hershey.




>Linkyloo with a Video< (http://www.abc27.com/story/16178079/hershy-residents-torn-on-schools-decision-to-ban-hiv-student)

[Toughy]

a little more info as to why they refused him:

http://www.wisradio.com/rssItem.asp?feedid=116&itemid=29763507

(PHILADELPHIA) -- The Hershey, Pa., boarding school that denied an HIV-positive 13-year-old boy entry said Friday that the school's residential setting and the risk of sexual activity made the teen too much of a "threat."

The AIDS Law Project filed suit on behalf of the unidentified boy Wednesday in Philadelphia District Court, alleging that the Milton Hershey School violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, which includes HIV in its scope.

"This young man is a motivated, intelligent kid who poses no health risk to other students, but is being denied an educational opportunity because of ignorance and fear about HIV and AIDS," said Ronda Goldfein, the boy's lawyer.

Connie McNamara, spokesperson for the Milton Hershey School, told ABC News the school carefully evaluated the situation and the needs of its 1,850 students which span from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.

"We had to balance his rights and interests with our obligation to provide for the health and safety of other students," she said. "And this meets a direct threat."

McNamara knows well that coughing, hugging, and public restrooms won't cause someone to get HIV.

She said the school was most worried the boy would have sex -- if not now, at some point in his future years at the school, where students in groups of 10-12 live together in on-campus housing.

"Our kids are no different than teenagers anywhere else," she said. "Despite encouraging abstinence, we cannot be 100 percent certain our kids are not engaging in sexual activity."

Even making sure the boy and students were educated on how HIV is transmitted wasn't enough for the school to grant the teen admission.

The idea that anyone could be denied entry based on a disability is astounding, said Arthur Caplan, the Director of the Pennsylvania Center For Bioethics.

"This notion that you can't put him in residential housing at a school because he is a vector of death is a throwback to 1987 when people were worried you couldn't mainstream children in any school," he said. "It sets back what we know to be true about the disease."

Caplan suggested the school use this as a teaching opportunity to educate students about HIV.

Even the school seemed a bit conflicted during the application process. McNamara provided ABC News with a court document the school planned to file before the lawsuit, asking a judge to weigh in and make sure they were within the bounds of the law.

"We looked at the law and our unique program and made the best decision we could," she said. "Our heart goes out to this young man."

The Milton Hershey School was founded in 1909 by the chocolate magnate whose name it bears. The school was originally intended to house white male orphans but now has a diverse student body hailing from all over the United States. Students must come from low income families in order to be considered for admission.

Caplan said the case reminds him of Ryan White, the teenager who became the face of the AIDs virus in the 1980s after being kicked out of school for fear it would spread through everyday contact.

"I think they'll lose the lawsuit," he said. " So they better get ready to figure out how they're going to accept him."

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

[Metro]

http://www.unaids.org/unaids_resources/2012WAD/images/2012WAD1.1.jpg


http://www.unaids.org/

[Miss Scarlett]

This morning I'm remembering friends and patients lost to AIDS back in the 80s...

I'm also urging everyone to please get tested.

[DMW]

I wish that ***** didn't get It. I wish that I could fix it. I wish that I could take it away from him and have it for myself instead.

Thank God for early testing, Elizabeth Taylor and all like her, and the new medications and research.
FYI double condoms cause friction and tear...best to use just one...I believe.

[Sun]

Today I am remembering my best friend Ross who was determined to beat the virus and instead was killed by a hit and run driver. He died at age 31. Ross was so full of joy and life that he was a magnet for happy people. His life was short but incredibly profound. I still see him on the beach at sunrise, doing yoga and dancing around his house to "Abba" flaming out in all of his fabulous gayness.

His mantra was "Honor Yourself". Whenever I reject negativity, I hear those words. "Honor Yourself". A constant reminder of how we live on in spirit even after the body is gone.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/376505060_e324baf8dd.jpg

[Metro]

http://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/images/infographics/2012/20120607gendereveryminute/gender_625x884px.gif

Thinking of and missing so many wonderful people, including family, on this day.

[Toughy]

as I say every year and write on every signature panel at every AIDS Memorial Quilt display that I attend

well girls and boys.... here we are again

I want all my friends back



Joey, my sonny boy.......my child..........I miss you terribly

remember their names

[princessbelle]

Today i remember David. He was just 24, he had been in and out of the hospital so many, many times back then and was often my patient. His family had blamed his being gay to getting AIDs and totally denied any visitation from his partner Andy. I would say a "procedure" was being done and usher the family out and then sneak Andy in. Never got caught. I was lucky.

David kept deteriorating and in the end did not know even who Andy was. Back then, AIDs patients did not get near the care they should have. Even a lot of doctors were afraid of them. He was suffering and IV lines were not working. He had needed a Central line but his Doc told me "No, he's dying". OK, so, he's dying and doesn't deserve pain relief? Since he is dying we let him suffer? No, i don't think so. Off to the ethics committee we went and in the end, David got his central line and his pain relief.

He died two days later. His family, by then, had turned their backs. Andy was very poor and sick as well. David was buried in a paupers grave down town that is run by the city.

His image haunts me to this day. It is one of a lot of patients back then. Confused, scared, dying and people, even medical people, turning their backs on them.

I miss you David, i really do. We've come a long way and today you may have lived. You brought beauty into my life and a joy from knowing you that will linger for my forever.

I pray there are no more Davids out there. I pray no one turns their backs. I pray this disease goes the f away and never ever harms another soul.

[Sun]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_441KzPCPADU/TPeM2ROHYjI/AAAAAAAAFoA/4gYn_twrENc/s1600/candle_flame_2.jpg

I am lighting a candle for:

Kevin - my client and friend who left much too soon. Kevin was in Seminary and on his way to becoming an amazing minister.

Elizabeth - my cousin. A mother of beautiful children who miss her so much.

Billy - My friend and the guy who painted the kitchen at the AIDS Support group in Provincetown, leaving white footprints on the floor as he left. He died a week later and it seemed that an Angel had walked through the kitchen.

Joanne - My feisty client fighter who never gave up and said my favorite words "how can I help?"

David (http://provincetownartistregistry.com/M/matias_david.html) - My friend and amazing poet who invaded my mind with lyrical prophetic words. When he was dying I made him guacamole "just like home".

Rob - The beautiful young neighbor who loved oatmeal raisin cookies. 28 years old. Gone too soon.

[pinkgeek]

From my Facebook page:

Today is World AIDS Day. We remember those we lost, pray for those living with HIV, and we honor those who fight to get us to zero new infections, zero AIDS related deaths and zero stigma. Talk about HIV the way you would talk about anything else. Support decriminalization and don't ever be the person who stands idle when you hear lies or disinformation about HIV. The fight still rages on with the CDC now reporting that young people ages 13 to 24 account for 26 percent of all new HIV infections in America. 1000 young people are infected with HIV every month in America. Get tested, know your status.

There is a cult of shame and "let's not talk about this ever" around any behavior that puts a person at risk for HIV or STI's - the reality is life happens. If you think I've never had a risky sexual encounter because I study health science and work for an HIV/AIDS foundation you are wrong. I'm human, I've been young and dumb, even though I was educated at an early age. Every day is a chance to reduce risky behaviors and no matter how stupid I felt after doing something risky I got tested. There is no shame and no blame in getting tested. If you aren't willing to ask your regular provider look here for a place to get tested. http://hivtest.cdc.gov/

[pinkgeek]

PS - if you ever wanted an excuse to exclusively buy MAC Cosmetics - they have given over 200 million dollars to AIDS charities. No other cosmetics company can say that.

[DMW]

I posted quickly yesterday because i was at work.
After my post...i went on to think of all of those who went before those who are afflicted with this disease now. They fought the disease and all of the obstacles that went along with it. They did not fight in vain and their sacrifices are saving people and helping people survive and live decent lives.

I honor those who went before and give them my gratitude.

I honor the bravery and the compassion of the healthcare workers, the medical professionals, and all of those that did not (and do not) turn their backs on those afflicted, with the disease, in their time of need.