(no subject)
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Yes, I am long, long overdue for a real live update. It's the final week of classes and I'm trying not to freak out, so maybe after I'm back in Lansing. Meanwhile, as I have done on previous December firsts, I remember those I have personally known who have died from the disease in commemoration of World AIDS Day:
John Brooks (1941-1993), my 7th grade counselor at Longfellow Junior High; he surprised me when I encountered him on a barstool at the State Bar during one of my first visits there.
Mark Chittle (1951-1994), son of my grandparents' best friends, first met in San Francisco in 1990; he added much-needed spice to my life.
John Ferman (1950-1995), downstairs neighbor when I lived in the S. Grand Traverse apartment; he talked with me about being gay in the Atwood's living room on my 17th birthday and two years later accompanied me on my second outing to the Copa after watching The Wizard of Oz.
Brian McDonald (1963-1996), friend I first met when he served at DJ at the old El Matador in Downtown Flint, semi-famous for his brief appearance in Roger & Me; he was such a gentle soul.
James Minterfering (1970-1998), beautiful young man who disclosed his HIV status to me when we briefly dated in 1992; he honored me with many memories, including his joyful dancing with a chain of revelers around the fountain in Dupont Circle the night before the 1993 March on Washington.
Scott O'Hara (1961-1998), the famed, mighty-dicked porn star and writer extraordinaire met at OutWrite 92; he helped me out of years of sexual fear and negativity.
Wade Richards (1963-1994), Duke grad and Getty Museum curator met and kidnapped for a day when Ralph, Larry, Diane, and I traveled to DC for the 1987 March; he was my first emotional bond with someone infected.
David Sefernick (1964-1997), classmate to my cousin Katrina and my Aunt Melita's friend Bea's son who I got to know after he returned to Flint from living in NYC; he recorded some of his life for me on a tape that is closed until 2015.
Acquaintances felled by AIDS include:
Carl Andrews
David Barrett
Michael Barto
Gary Bassett
Chris Campbell
Jim Dressel
Joey Fisher
Bill Kain
Karl King
Lee Kippey
Patrick Lynn
Michael Murray
Geoffrey Payman
Chris Peterson
Bob Richardson
Tom Stephens
Curtis Tramble
David Vargo
Jon Yntema
Howard Yoder
Yes, I am long, long overdue for a real live update. It's the final week of classes and I'm trying not to freak out, so maybe after I'm back in Lansing. Meanwhile, as I have done on previous December firsts, I remember those I have personally known who have died from the disease in commemoration of World AIDS Day:
John Brooks (1941-1993), my 7th grade counselor at Longfellow Junior High; he surprised me when I encountered him on a barstool at the State Bar during one of my first visits there.
Mark Chittle (1951-1994), son of my grandparents' best friends, first met in San Francisco in 1990; he added much-needed spice to my life.
John Ferman (1950-1995), downstairs neighbor when I lived in the S. Grand Traverse apartment; he talked with me about being gay in the Atwood's living room on my 17th birthday and two years later accompanied me on my second outing to the Copa after watching The Wizard of Oz.
Brian McDonald (1963-1996), friend I first met when he served at DJ at the old El Matador in Downtown Flint, semi-famous for his brief appearance in Roger & Me; he was such a gentle soul.
James Minterfering (1970-1998), beautiful young man who disclosed his HIV status to me when we briefly dated in 1992; he honored me with many memories, including his joyful dancing with a chain of revelers around the fountain in Dupont Circle the night before the 1993 March on Washington.
Scott O'Hara (1961-1998), the famed, mighty-dicked porn star and writer extraordinaire met at OutWrite 92; he helped me out of years of sexual fear and negativity.
Wade Richards (1963-1994), Duke grad and Getty Museum curator met and kidnapped for a day when Ralph, Larry, Diane, and I traveled to DC for the 1987 March; he was my first emotional bond with someone infected.
David Sefernick (1964-1997), classmate to my cousin Katrina and my Aunt Melita's friend Bea's son who I got to know after he returned to Flint from living in NYC; he recorded some of his life for me on a tape that is closed until 2015.
Acquaintances felled by AIDS include:
Carl Andrews
David Barrett
Michael Barto
Gary Bassett
Chris Campbell
Jim Dressel
Joey Fisher
Bill Kain
Karl King
Lee Kippey
Patrick Lynn
Michael Murray
Geoffrey Payman
Chris Peterson
Bob Richardson
Tom Stephens
Curtis Tramble
David Vargo
Jon Yntema
Howard Yoder