In 2007, LPN interviewed author and AIDS activist Patrick Moore via email. Moore is the author of the 2004 published Beyond Shame, reclaiming the abandoned history of radical gay sexuality. We wanted to know how his views had changed since the publication of the book and his cross-country move to Los Angeles. Continue reading “Patrick Moore on Beyond Shame”
How do you tell someone you’re HIV positive, especially in the sexually charged environment of a bathhouse? It’s not a place to talk. It’s not designed for that. The arrogance of the negative men, presuming that everyone there is negative, pisses me off. I mean—you fucking idiot: you’re naked, you paid to get in, you’re looking for sex with gay men, HIV has been around 25 years—and you’re shocked, stunned, when I tell you I’m positive. Well, you deserve what you get, you stupid prick. Continue reading “Johnathan Skot: Do Ask – Do Tell”
25 years ago I met my life partner AIDS. We’ve gone through everything together. And when I say everything, I mean it. Like most people when they have a partner they don’t look for one another. They might play with others even at the same time. In the early 80s it was normal to share your boy with others. I was just that: a boy, to a man who had lots of money and gave me everything I wanted. I wasn’t looking for another partner, and certainly not looking for this one. This is our story of how I fought and did everything to hide my shame for this new found partner of mine. Continue reading “Rene AlexZander: 25th Anniversary Celebration with AIDS”
Last weekend, when I read the Op-Ed by Jasmyne Cannick in the LA Times, on honeymoon with my husband Jeff no less, I got angry. Since then I had more time to think. Today I believe that funneling our energy into anger towards other minorities, is not only unjustified, but detracts us from the work that needs to be done. I’m also excited about the new found sense of outrage that brings us gays and lesbians and our friends out into the streets. It’s been a long time since we felt so united. Let’s keep it up. Continue reading “Don’t blame the blacks. Do something!”
I know it sounds terribly cliché, but last Saturday really was the happiest day in my life. So far at least, and I do expect that many, possibly even happier days, will be ahead. Though I don’t think I will face again anytime soon, my soon to be husband Jeff, grinning uncontrollably from ear to ear. Continue reading “The Happiest Day”
We wanted to describe what Prop 8 means to us personally, and why we feel is important that to vote No on 8. Proponents of this initiative have built a campaign on lies and fear that does not acknowledge how a yes vote would really affect people. Continue reading “Doug & Gianpiero: Why Marriage is Important”
It’s the day before the wedding and this morning the bathroom scale showed an even 170.0 pounds! Which means I made the goal. With no margin to spare, but I made it. Because there is a lot to do with friends and family in town, this will be the shortest entry ever. Just wanted to share the good news. Continue reading “I Made It!”
With one more week to go to the big day, the focus has shifted dramatically away from planning to doing. Today, we are picking up the first out of town guest and they’ll keep arriving through the week. This is shaping up to be a great event. At the same time, we are still busy spinning through our lives while moving rapidly towards the 25th. Continue reading “So Close”
No, I have not attempted any miracle diets (yet), though salads have taken a more prominent role in my diet and there are fewer snacks in my day. Exercise is still going strong. In other words, I haven’t given up on the goal. Four pounds are left and I have two weeks left to go. That’s still in the realm of possibility and at the same time a tall order. With the exception of the first week I started the diet, I’ve never lost that much weight in two weeks. Then again, these are unusual times and motivation is running high. Continue reading “Maybe, Maybe Not”
Did you miss me? Well, I missed last week’s column. Jeff commented a few days ago with a sharp “Aha”, when he looked at the date of the latest entry. Busted. Do I have an excuse? Not really, though many good reasons. Between extra work, a busy social schedule, and the last urgent wedding preparations, the column simply got pushed out. Together with a good part of my diet, though we do have the seating chart worked out and we are indeed all (I hope?) GO for the big day. Continue reading “Yo-Yo Anyone?”
Rolf Danner 