Sunday evening. We are getting the house ready for our cleaning lady the next day. Can’t let her see what the place looks like after we spent the weekend at home. Jeff just finished washing the dishes and has stacked them on the counter. Now the strange thing happens. Instead of grabbing a dishtowel to help me dry, he grabs his book without a word and disappears upstairs to the bedroom. Continue reading “Taken for Granted”
Digging in the depth of our closet, I came across stories I wrote in my late teens and early twenties. I was struck by the tone of a “letter” I had typed about 25 years ago. I was struck by the loneliness that runs through the piece. Struck by the darkness of the place I wrote from. This was around the time my father died from cancer, when I was breaking up with my first and only girlfriend, and years before coming out. I wanted to be rescued then and had no idea that these walls can only be torn down from within. I really hope that, more than 25 years later, it is easier for young men to come out than it was for me then. And I’m glad that in then end I did rescue the little boy who wrote this letter, even if it took a long time. Continue reading “Anonymous Letter”
Valentine’s Day! What’s the gay boy to do when he doesn’t want to send flowers to the girl he’s supposed to like and doesn’t dare to talk to the adorable guy he has such a crush on? Even decades after kindergarten, Valentine’s can bring misery to any gay man not properly coupled off. Here are some ideas on what to do. Continue reading “Happy Valentines”
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!”
Rolf Danner 