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A Calendar of Events
photos by Holly Clark Photography
am-packed with conferences, workshops, and events aimed at increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and reducing stigma in the Greater Philadelphia area, Philadelphia Fight’s AIDS Education Month will start off with an opening reception and awards ceremony at the Independence Visitor Center on June 2. At the ceremony, activist and speaker Deon Haywood, the Executive Director of Women With A Vision (WWAV), a New Orleans-based community organization that seeks to support marginalized women, their families, and their communites, will be honored with the 2015 Kiyoshi Kuromiya Award. A tribute to Gloria Casarez, former director of the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs, is also planned. Here’s a schedule of what is planned: • Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony, Tuesday, June 2, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Independence Visitors Center, 6th & Market Streets • Prevention and Outreach Summit, Monday, June 8, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Pennsylvania Convention Center, 13th and Arch Streets • Gospel Concert featuring J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise. Sunday, June 14, 5 - 8 p.m., Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ, 6401 Ogontz Avenue • The Summit Ball: Climbing Our Way to the Top, Saturday, June 20, 7 p.m.–midnight, University of the Arts, Hamilton Hall, 320 S. Broad Street • Hip Hop for Philly featuring Wale on National HIV Testing Day, Satur-
day, June 27. For more information, please visit www.fight.org/hiphop. • Community Cookout, Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Fairmount Park, Area #2, 33rd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue The AIDS Education Month will also feature educational presentations in various communities, special events tailored to target populations, and testing outreach. Philadelphia FIGHT is a comprehensive health services organization providing primary care, consumer education, research, and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS and those at high risk. FIGHT’s goal is to end the AIDS epidemic within the lifetime of those currently living with HIV. For more information, log on to: www.fight.org.
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was not very good at it. I walked away with two huge bruises on my arms. But I remember thinking, “That’s okay, I’m doing what I need to do.” I felt proud—bruises and all.
The Trevor Project and I think there’s a tie-in for connecting with youth there…. Swell, Nicholas. Whom do you consider a hero in the epidemic? All of those men and women who first took up the fight. They started organizations, like APLA, and although they were small in numbers, they were huge in determination and heart. They set up telephone hotlines. They fought back against government silence. Those first pioneers are the true heroes.
Ouch! Even though you and Nick have a monogamous relationship, do you still get tested? When I was younger, I got tested periodically. It had been a while since I last got tested. Recently, Nick and I were walking by an AIDS Healthcare Foundation van—Blair Underwood was on the advertisement—and at the same time we both said, “Why not?” It was all done with a swab of the cheek and within moments had our results. It was very easy—and no bruises this time! Amen, Sister Agnes Clare. That was a teacher of mine in an all girls’ prep school. I know you’ve donated to AIDS charities and have attended an AIDS Walk, but how did you begin helping out, and why? Well let me just say that I’m glad there are grass-roots organizations around like APLA. It was a friend of mine who first introduced me to it. [He pauses.] This epidemic affects us all and it’s the responsibility of everyone to get involved. This friend sounds quite special. What is JUNE 2015 • A&U
Selfie of Nicholas and his beau, Nick, fishing in the Eastern Sierra your focus now within the HIV and AIDS community? I would like to find a youth-centered organization with an outreach program. [Nicholas takes a sip of green tea.] I think it’s all about breaking down the fear of testing. I want to educate youth and shatter those walls of fear. [He ponders, his hush-puppy auburn eyes darting upward.] I’ve been involved with
A resounding “affirmative” from me, Nick. [He carries a couple of used plates from the dining room table into the kitchen, placing them in the dishwasher, returning with a teapot to refill my cup with green tea.] Thank you, sir! Any parting words, my friend? Yes…that HIV and AIDS is still an issue. Some people, though, have this sense of invulnerability. They believe that since meds are available there’s no need to protect themselves from diseases…that could forever change their lives. Ruby Comer is an independent journalist from the Midwest who is happy to call Hollywood her home away from home. Reach her by e-mail at MsRubyComer@aol.com.
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