Aids - 20 years later

    Recently I noticed posts on the various message boards referring to HIV/AIDS.  One young man deeply affected after viewing a biographical movie about the late poet and aids activist Paul Monette and stated in his post...

    "I had never really given that much thought to AIDS other than how to not get it until watching that. It gives a little glimpse of what its like for the victims."  (*)

    His post motivated me to create a site which will archive recent articles on HIV/AIDS. The news articles and interviews cover a wide range of topics and are quite informative as to what is occurring with this disease 20 years after the death toll began. There are stories that cover medical and scientific developments from the first reported cases to the present resurgence. There are articles of a personal nature written by or about those who are dealing with HIV/AIDS and by those who have lost Lovers and life partners and way too many friends. One must never forget every one of those statistics was a living, breathing human being, somebody's son or daughter, brother or sister, mother, father or lover.  I am well aware that there are allot more pleasant ways to spend ones time then reading about this terrible disease but ignoring it will not make it go away and it is foolhardy not to keep informed. You are not immune!

    I am going to make an effort to keep this site updated with informative articles and information as it becomes available. The Resources Link currently contains a few links obtained from the various articles that appear.  I will be adding to it substantially in the near future. The articles contained will keep you abreast as to the latest  medical research/treatment and the interviews written on a first person basis by those who have been touched by this disease either individually or through a loved one will help you to comprehend the human toll this disease has taken. I suggest you bookmark this page and check back now and then for updates.

    I especially urge those who are young and have not been touched by this awful disease to take the time to read these articles - learn and absorb what the previous generation has endured.  Most of you who are recently coming of age, are aware of HIV and AIDS and hopefully how to take the necessary steps to prevent contracting it.  Most young people though are not aware of the devastation this disease caused an earlier generation.  We are not statistics and numbers alone cannot communicate the tears, the suffering and loss that those who are a bit older then you endured.

    We were a generation of hardy parties and liberal sexual attitudes.   There was no AIDS and then there was!!  By the time we even understood what was happening - our friends and acquaintances were dying in our arms. You will be hard pressed to find a gay individual older then 35 who has not lost a friend, lover or close acquaintance. This viral infection has changed how gays relate to each other and how they relate to society. Read these articles and you will begin to comprehend the depth of despair and the militant reactions that were born out of fear, government inaction and to this day continuing prejudices.

Here is the link to the site, I wish I could say enjoy but the only positive statement I can make is be informed.

Aids - 20 years later

(*) This young Okie whoops I mean Young man after viewing the biographical movie wrote a beautiful poem and tribute dedicated to Paul Monette.  Take the time and enjoy it - I am in awe that a 14 year old is capable of creating verse of such poignant beauty.

TRIBUTE TO PAUL MONETTE