Anne Pope: Frank Jump and I have been friends – and sometimes collaborators – since 1988. When I first thought about doing a StoryCorps session, he was the first person I wanted to interview.
Everybody’s story matters. Every life counts. Help us reach out to record our history, hopes, and common humanity—and illuminate the true character of this nation. StoryCorps.net
“The History Of AIDS In America
Has Been One Of Denial & Suppression…”
Wallace Shawn reads from Vito Russo’s Celluloid Closet
Memorial Day has always been a bittersweet holiday for me. I don’t know many veterans since many of my friends are gay or lesbian and cannot openly serve in the military. The only legitimate and significant war I have personally experienced been the War Against AIDS. From this day forward, Memorial Day will be a day I will remember those I’ve lost in this war and I invite everyone else to join me.
Sitting and trying to think of the countless people I have encountered in my life who have died from this still stigmatizing disease is a daunting task. Above are some of the names of friends and acquaintances who have touched our lives (Vincenzo and myself) in some way. [I’ve gotten up out of bed and updated the list twice already. I don’t think this is a realistic task for one day.]
This April I have been HIV+ for 24 years – half of my life. Through the years I have begun to have days when I think of the disease only perhaps once or twice a day, but not a single day goes by that I’m not reminded of my mortality at least once – probably due to my adherence to my meds. Then I remember those I’ve lost. I encourage people to share names of their loved ones who have died of AIDS- reminding America of the indignities and indifference they had experienced.