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Discussion Board -> Off Topic -> Make every day World AIDS Day, Never fall silent.
Make every day World AIDS Day, Never fall silent.
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Indeed, I hope that everyone shows support for it too.
*goes off to go buy red bow*
*goes off to go buy red bow*
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[Wolfy][My Beautiful Lie..][</3] Feel free to email me!
Good post, Curtie.
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Hey there Mister Madman, wat'cha know that I don't know
Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show
Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away
Tell me what made you that way
I have had so many friends affected either directly or indirectly by AIDS, that I wish everyday was World AIDS Day.The "Sisters" are also main contributors to getting the word out, and raising funds to help fight AIDS...I'll see if I can find a link...but while you are waiting, you may want to google "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence"...
Edit--
Here is the link::
The "Sisters"
Yes the Sisters are a little out there, and those who are anti-gay will definately be against them, but despite their wild ways to gain exposure they do alot of good for both SFO and the gay community in general...including alot of work with AIDA charities...so if you read the link, please understand the good they do...even if they seem uber-wild.
Edit--
Here is the link::
The "Sisters"
Yes the Sisters are a little out there, and those who are anti-gay will definately be against them, but despite their wild ways to gain exposure they do alot of good for both SFO and the gay community in general...including alot of work with AIDA charities...so if you read the link, please understand the good they do...even if they seem uber-wild.
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To humor the party pooper who complained, I will censor my quote=======
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:: Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine, into your brain, and THAT is where sh*tty ideas come from!!
Non-Censored Version
*bumps thread with his left hip*
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
Ah, yes, the Sisters. I'm quite aware of them, even here up in the "hinterland" of WIsconsin. Thanks for the Link Jen.
*hugs*
*hugs*
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I have lost 3 very close friends to Aids...:(
It bugs me that so many people associate AIDS as only something for GAYS to worry about....and it's ALL OF US.....every one...who can get it and share it. The 3 people I lost... one a CLOSE friend....knew him for forever it seems....and I'll always be haunted by his short and tragic life. Not only did he live his life in the closet out of fear of persecution { his own parents disowned him} he was even thrown away into a Catholic school and actually mentally abused by NUNS. He never knew happiness or true love and then dies before age 45.
I remember when he came to my apt years ago....to tell me he was tested and found to be hiv positive. I hugged him...and he was actually stunned....and said...You're not scared to hug me"? {Crap---now I am crying...
It bugs me that so many people associate AIDS as only something for GAYS to worry about....and it's ALL OF US.....every one...who can get it and share it. The 3 people I lost... one a CLOSE friend....knew him for forever it seems....and I'll always be haunted by his short and tragic life. Not only did he live his life in the closet out of fear of persecution { his own parents disowned him} he was even thrown away into a Catholic school and actually mentally abused by NUNS. He never knew happiness or true love and then dies before age 45.
I remember when he came to my apt years ago....to tell me he was tested and found to be hiv positive. I hugged him...and he was actually stunned....and said...You're not scared to hug me"? {Crap---now I am crying...
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Hey there Mister Madman, wat'cha know that I don't know
Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show
Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away
Tell me what made you that way
*offers his handkerchief to Terri*
Oh, right ... sorry ... *takes back boogered-hankie sheepishly* ... here's a kleenex.
Carry on ...
Oh, right ... sorry ... *takes back boogered-hankie sheepishly* ... here's a kleenex.
Carry on ...
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
I didn't name my friend { above}...because he was always private...and unobtrusive. I miss him.
My ex-boss....lost his wife last year to AIDS.....rec'd when she was given a blood transfusion after the birth of their twins...{ the twins are approx 20 years old now}.
Then my friend Reggie...whom I will name.....because he was a star...in St Petersburg, Florida....and I hope his star never burns out.
I used to be Reggie's letter carrier { Mail-Maven}:)
Reginald Brown.....a VERY PRETTY, artist and poet. He lived at Graham Park...part of my mail route. Graham is an assisted living/low income facility.....a place many letter carriers feared....because when you arrive, you are swarmed.....literally, by shut-ins and lonely people....throw-aways.....the people the world have forgotten. I fell in love with almost all of them. All they ever wanted is just to be like you and me. Regular folks. Nothing special...nothing less. A huge portion of the residents there had AIDS...or mental impairments, or physical...and some were just very poor / on the cusp between homeless and having just enough to afford life at Graham.
Those people made me feel like a star. Once I passed their initiation...{ basically...they do not want to be patronized....or feared....just respected.} I learned over 900 residents by first name. I loved ALMOST all....though came close a few times to kicking an ass or two...hehehe} anyway....Reginald Brown.....artist.....and once impersonated Diana Ross and many others...and probably prettier too.
Reggie took no crap from anybody. He'd zip up in his motorized scooter hand on the horn demanding everybody out of his way...he was in a hurry to talk to "the mail".:) I spent lots of time with Reggie....and cried when he passed away. God Bless you Reg....you are one of a kind!
Reggie
moreaboutReg
My ex-boss....lost his wife last year to AIDS.....rec'd when she was given a blood transfusion after the birth of their twins...{ the twins are approx 20 years old now}.
Then my friend Reggie...whom I will name.....because he was a star...in St Petersburg, Florida....and I hope his star never burns out.
I used to be Reggie's letter carrier { Mail-Maven}:)
Reginald Brown.....a VERY PRETTY, artist and poet. He lived at Graham Park...part of my mail route. Graham is an assisted living/low income facility.....a place many letter carriers feared....because when you arrive, you are swarmed.....literally, by shut-ins and lonely people....throw-aways.....the people the world have forgotten. I fell in love with almost all of them. All they ever wanted is just to be like you and me. Regular folks. Nothing special...nothing less. A huge portion of the residents there had AIDS...or mental impairments, or physical...and some were just very poor / on the cusp between homeless and having just enough to afford life at Graham.
Those people made me feel like a star. Once I passed their initiation...{ basically...they do not want to be patronized....or feared....just respected.} I learned over 900 residents by first name. I loved ALMOST all....though came close a few times to kicking an ass or two...hehehe} anyway....Reginald Brown.....artist.....and once impersonated Diana Ross and many others...and probably prettier too.
Reggie took no crap from anybody. He'd zip up in his motorized scooter hand on the horn demanding everybody out of his way...he was in a hurry to talk to "the mail".:) I spent lots of time with Reggie....and cried when he passed away. God Bless you Reg....you are one of a kind!
Reggie
moreaboutReg
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Hey there Mister Madman, wat'cha know that I don't know
Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show
Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away
Tell me what made you that way
Maven, Reggie sounds lke a simply wonderful and strong person. Another of the great troopers we have lost to this disease. Wich I believe is one of the reasons for World AIDS Day. Not only to bring continued awareness to this disease, but also to to remember and celebrate those we have all lost to it.
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YUP....Reggie was brutally HONEST....and fun...and bitchy and wonderful. Thanks for this thread, Curtie....
Selfishly.....I almost left my original first comment and was gonna say no more....coz I didn't want to feel the sadness ...and that's just damned selfish of me. Remembering them is all we can give back to them...for now.
Selfishly.....I almost left my original first comment and was gonna say no more....coz I didn't want to feel the sadness ...and that's just damned selfish of me. Remembering them is all we can give back to them...for now.
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Hey there Mister Madman, wat'cha know that I don't know
Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show
Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away
Tell me what made you that way
A friend of mine needed blood (he had cancer and became really anemic) nobody did much to help him in the first place with his cancer because he was HIV+...yes, he was gay, but prior to his coming out party, he'd had a wife and daughter. The wife of course left him once he announced that he was gay, but his daughter stayed by him. She was the only one to donate blood to him, and stayed with him the whole time. It was not AIDS that killed him, it was the medical system and cancer. They had already written him off because he was HIV+...I mean why treat him for his cancer when he will eventually die from AIDS, right??? Anyway, even while doing treatments and sick as a dog from them, he would go to all the Sister"s parties and help to raise funds as well as man the phones trying to get donations.
It's disgusting the stigma that folks with HIV/AIDS have to carry with them. No one will touch them, hug them...Mike was a great guy, and like you Terri, I had no problems showing the love. We'd have big parties, and he and I would cook up a storm (he was a chef by trade, and I learned some great tricks from him)...only those of us who were his friends would go to these parties, because other idiots would be afraid to eat his delicious food, because he would somehow give them the disease...lemme say, that was fine with me, because damn his cooking was awesome, and the less folks that came meant more food for me to pig out on!!!
Anyway, like Lauren's thread, lets try to keep this one active and spread awareness beyond the one day set aside for it.
Bump.
It's disgusting the stigma that folks with HIV/AIDS have to carry with them. No one will touch them, hug them...Mike was a great guy, and like you Terri, I had no problems showing the love. We'd have big parties, and he and I would cook up a storm (he was a chef by trade, and I learned some great tricks from him)...only those of us who were his friends would go to these parties, because other idiots would be afraid to eat his delicious food, because he would somehow give them the disease...lemme say, that was fine with me, because damn his cooking was awesome, and the less folks that came meant more food for me to pig out on!!!
Anyway, like Lauren's thread, lets try to keep this one active and spread awareness beyond the one day set aside for it.
Bump.
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To humor the party pooper who complained, I will censor my quote=======
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:: Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine, into your brain, and THAT is where sh*tty ideas come from!!
Non-Censored Version
Agree Jenn... The stigma problem associated with HIV is something that is still rearing its ugly head to this day. Even within the gay community, the stigma is there. I've seen people, who you would have thought to at least be sympathetic, turn a shoulder to a person living with this disease...
"Eh... you look healthy enough," and then walk away.
With these kinds of stereotypes/stigmas being thrown into HIV+ peoples faces, those whom we have lost need to be celebrated and not forgotten. And for those who we still have with us, need our understanding and compassion. So, for those who may just be passing through the thread... Remember, that person that you just dismissed may very well be a member of your own community or family. If you were diagnosed with an incurable condition, would you like to be tossed off to the side... shunned & fogotten?
"Eh... you look healthy enough," and then walk away.
With these kinds of stereotypes/stigmas being thrown into HIV+ peoples faces, those whom we have lost need to be celebrated and not forgotten. And for those who we still have with us, need our understanding and compassion. So, for those who may just be passing through the thread... Remember, that person that you just dismissed may very well be a member of your own community or family. If you were diagnosed with an incurable condition, would you like to be tossed off to the side... shunned & fogotten?
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Amen Curt!!! I love you, man...you SO rock.
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To humor the party pooper who complained, I will censor my quote=======
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:: Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine, into your brain, and THAT is where sh*tty ideas come from!!
Non-Censored Version
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To humor the party pooper who complained, I will censor my quote=======
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:: Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine, into your brain, and THAT is where sh*tty ideas come from!!
Non-Censored Version
Good links Jenn. I have refferenced Avert on several occassions, as well as it being loaded with some good information.
Another good source for keeping up on trends in HIV/AIDS issues and therapies is the Kaiser Report. Other medical issues/news can be referenced through here also.
Another good source for keeping up on trends in HIV/AIDS issues and therapies is the Kaiser Report. Other medical issues/news can be referenced through here also.
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Hey, lets not let this get to a back page. This is a good topic with lots of good info.
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To humor the party pooper who complained, I will censor my quote=======
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:: Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine, into your brain, and THAT is where sh*tty ideas come from!!
Non-Censored Version
well, the only AIDS factoid that I can share has to do with a childhood friend who, inhis early 20's finally came out to my mother. she acted surprised, bless her. anyway,this friend, Jorge, was later involved in advocacy against AIDS, and for the GMHC (gay men's health crisis. Sadly, he's since surrendered to it himself. So here's to his memory.
}BUMP{
}BUMP{
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Hi,my name is Rob..ok, so I'm not the greatest at replies and comments. Sorry. For anyone needing to contact me, my email is back up in my profile. >> my cluttered mess of a gallery
Before it slips off the front page...
Knowledge = power in combating this disease.
Silence, not only equals ignorance, but where HIV is concerned = a long hard life.
Unless , of course, you like the idea of paying 1,000+/month in medications (for the rest of your life), never ending visits to the doctor, dealing with side effects from medications, depression, nurses who aren't always the best at hitting your veins for all of the blood draws, as well as further dealing with complications from the medications due to taking them over a prolonged period of time (diabetes, panctreatitis, peripheral neuropathy, liver and kideny damage, lipodystrophy, and the list goes on...).
So don't let the ads fool you... HIV is NOT something that can just be set aside by taking a few pills a day. HIV WILL BECOME YOUR LIFE, and requires constant, daily, maintenance. Just like any other chronic illness.
Testing is free. The link below, from the National HIV Testing Resources, you can find resouces in your local area that provides free and confidential HIV testing... All it will cost you, is a little piece of mind.
Free HIV Testing Resources
Knowledge = power in combating this disease.
Silence, not only equals ignorance, but where HIV is concerned = a long hard life.
Unless , of course, you like the idea of paying 1,000+/month in medications (for the rest of your life), never ending visits to the doctor, dealing with side effects from medications, depression, nurses who aren't always the best at hitting your veins for all of the blood draws, as well as further dealing with complications from the medications due to taking them over a prolonged period of time (diabetes, panctreatitis, peripheral neuropathy, liver and kideny damage, lipodystrophy, and the list goes on...).
So don't let the ads fool you... HIV is NOT something that can just be set aside by taking a few pills a day. HIV WILL BECOME YOUR LIFE, and requires constant, daily, maintenance. Just like any other chronic illness.
Testing is free. The link below, from the National HIV Testing Resources, you can find resouces in your local area that provides free and confidential HIV testing... All it will cost you, is a little piece of mind.
Free HIV Testing Resources
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As a kid, I needed a blood transfusion. Just this year, during treatments, I req
The pc jumped pages then went back to this page...so yeah...HICCUP
The pc jumped pages then went back to this page...so yeah...HICCUP
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As a kid, I needed a blood transfusion. Just this year, during treatments, I required 2 bags of blood. Anyone who thinks this is a gay disease is wrong. I am tested every year. Not because I am gay. Not because I am promiscuous. Not because I am drug user. Because I required a blood transfusion. I have always tested negative, but for my peace of mind, for my husband, for my kids, I still go get tested every year.
If you ever have questions, seek the answers. Knowledge is the best way to prevent it from spreading.
If you ever have questions, seek the answers. Knowledge is the best way to prevent it from spreading.
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Try telling the Red Cross that... they still don't allow gay people to donate blood down here, even if you have been tested or only have one partner etc. It makes me mad when I see all this advertising about how desperate they are for donations, yet they still have this stupid "rule" which prohibits 10% of the population from donating even if they want to...
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion- rescope.com.au
Actually, it is still concidered Illegal for gay men to donate blood here in the States also.
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Well Sam...I was a regular donor...every 4 months like clockwork. Now, thanks to chemo and radiation, and a blood transfusion, I have to wait a minimum of 5 years, then after that, if I want to donate I need to be put through a battery of tests and signed off as ok to donate by at least 3 docs...so it looks like I'll be on the sidelines for a while...and it sucks, because here in Fresno, they really need my blood type.
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That's such BS!!!
When I needed my transfusion this year my friend Gary who is my blood type, said he'd donate...and they denied him...because...guess what...he's gay. He is probably cleaner than most straight folks I know...it's such BS!!!
When I needed my transfusion this year my friend Gary who is my blood type, said he'd donate...and they denied him...because...guess what...he's gay. He is probably cleaner than most straight folks I know...it's such BS!!!
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It's a nonsensical policy anyway. Unless you put it on the form they have no way of knowing...
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion- rescope.com.au
Which is insane, because if the screening is based on the honesty of someone...you can get a gay man donating who is as clean as the day he was born, or a straight woman who is crapped up and giving tainted blood. The policy really is crap. Not all gay folks are HIV+, and not all straight folks are uber-clean.
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I wouldn't care so much about it but it's so stupid that people who need blood transfusions to live may very well have to die because someone in charge made a brainless decision.
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion- rescope.com.au
Hey.I'm there with you Sam. I told the docs that I'd sign a waiver to let Gary donate to me...and they said no because he was gay...even though I was the one getting the blood and willing to ok it!!!
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I think I would have strangled them (then you could have had their blood, since they wouldn't have needed it any more...).
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-Everyone is entitled to my opinion- rescope.com.au
You know...I can't start to imagine ow Gary felt...I mean having to live with that sort of crap daily...but I know that I was beyond pissed.
I trust Gary to watch my kids...which is a big deal, because I don't hand my kids out to just anyone. They love him, and he'd make a great dad. His being gay isn't going to do anything to them, except maybe put a positive twist on their lives...yet this person whom I trust with my kids is denied so much.
I would take a blood transfusion from him any day, and not be trippin' one bit!!!
It's funny how stupid those in the medical field can be. I used to volunteer fo Hospice, and I met 3 patients who had AIDS. 2 of the 3 were STRAIGHT!!! People need to educate themselves so that this damned stigma can be let go of!!
I trust Gary to watch my kids...which is a big deal, because I don't hand my kids out to just anyone. They love him, and he'd make a great dad. His being gay isn't going to do anything to them, except maybe put a positive twist on their lives...yet this person whom I trust with my kids is denied so much.
I would take a blood transfusion from him any day, and not be trippin' one bit!!!
It's funny how stupid those in the medical field can be. I used to volunteer fo Hospice, and I met 3 patients who had AIDS. 2 of the 3 were STRAIGHT!!! People need to educate themselves so that this damned stigma can be let go of!!
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The medical community I think is part to blame there also... We had an incident, I think is was last year or the year before, where a gay male had went in to the emergency room. It was found out that he was gay, where he was then seperated, had a surgical mask put on as well as have an unauthorised HIV test done. All because he was gay.
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Are you serious???
What sort of crap is that???
If anyone ever did that to one of my friends, I'd probably end up in jail for beating their butt's!!
What sort of crap is that???
If anyone ever did that to one of my friends, I'd probably end up in jail for beating their butt's!!
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I'll have to see if I can find the news article on that one.
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I can honestly say… while they ask you a whole bunch of questions here in NY before allowing you to donate, I'm glad we've moved beyond the whole gay=aids thing.
Now they ask you questions like:
Have you received money or drugs in exchange for sex in the past 12 months?
Have you given money or drugs in exchange for sex in the past 12 months?
Have you ever tested positive for an STD?
and on… and on… lol. They do test every donation, but are not required to alert you if they find anything unless you show up positive for h.i.v. Personally, I consider it free blood screening… as long as they keep calling me back to donate, I know I'm all good 8•P
Now they ask you questions like:
Have you received money or drugs in exchange for sex in the past 12 months?
Have you given money or drugs in exchange for sex in the past 12 months?
Have you ever tested positive for an STD?
and on… and on… lol. They do test every donation, but are not required to alert you if they find anything unless you show up positive for h.i.v. Personally, I consider it free blood screening… as long as they keep calling me back to donate, I know I'm all good 8•P
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One man sees things and says "why?" - but I dream things that never were and I say "why not?"
The blood bank called me and asked if I could donate. I said I had recently undergone cancer treatments. They asked if I had received a transfusion. I said yes, they asked if it would be ok to take me off their call list. I said I had asked that to be done 6 months ago. Point being this...do they NOT trust their own blood?? Yes I got a transfusion, but IF they screened everything properly, there shouldn't be any issue...right??? Yet after I said that I'd gotten one, they were like, oh well we need to take you off our list. Whatever.
Maybe if the screening procedures were "perfected" among other things...we may actually get on top of AIDS and find a way to slow it...I really think part of the reason i hasn't happened yet is due to misconceptions by both the medical society and society in general.
Maybe if the screening procedures were "perfected" among other things...we may actually get on top of AIDS and find a way to slow it...I really think part of the reason i hasn't happened yet is due to misconceptions by both the medical society and society in general.
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Are you sure NY allows gay men to donate blood? Wouldn't they be going against the FDA then? FDA vote maintains ban
Other wise... for those who may be interested... Go ahead, I dare ya. Sign the PETITION to have the ban lifted.
Other wise... for those who may be interested... Go ahead, I dare ya. Sign the PETITION to have the ban lifted.
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Ahh, c'mon Curt, you don't have to DARE me!!!
Signed, sealed, delivered...
And I re-signed up for NARAL, which I used to support/work for in my 20's.
Signed, sealed, delivered...
And I re-signed up for NARAL, which I used to support/work for in my 20's.
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*bump*:)
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Hey there Mister Madman, wat'cha know that I don't know
Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show
Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away
Tell me what made you that way
PAGE 2????????
Guys, we need to get the word out.
**Bump**
Guys, we need to get the word out.
**Bump**
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Well... here's a tid bit.... approximately 25% of people infected with HIV don't even know they have it.
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*bump*
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Hey there Mister Madman, wat'cha know that I don't know
Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show
Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away
Tell me what made you that way
A hip to the left ... ~ bump~ ...
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
bumps Les....:)
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Hey there Mister Madman, wat'cha know that I don't know
Tell me some crazy stories, let me know who runs this show
Glassy-eyed and laughing, he turns and walks away
Tell me what made you that way
Bump... why? Because I got a disturbing email from a friend, and I'm hoping it's not bad news.
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Yup... bad news... just found out I lost another friend. Kidney failure due to complicatioins.
Vince, You'll be missed...
Vince, You'll be missed...
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I'm sorry to hear that Curt. It is never easy to lose a friend (trust me I know). I have found that the best way to get by, is to keep that person's spirit alive.
Guys lets keep this thread alive and strong. First to get the word out, but second to honor those we have lost from AIDS.
Curt you'll be in my thoughts.
Guys lets keep this thread alive and strong. First to get the word out, but second to honor those we have lost from AIDS.
Curt you'll be in my thoughts.
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For Vince ...
~ le bump ~
~ le bump ~
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
Hugs back atcha Curt, and a big bump to the top...
and while I'm at it...in a huggy bear mood today...hugs to Terr and Les and Sam...hell...hugs to all...
and while I'm at it...in a huggy bear mood today...hugs to Terr and Les and Sam...hell...hugs to all...
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Lol.
Me ... too.
Kind of got that warm and fuzzy touchy feely kind of thing going on.
Oh ... wait ... I am sitting on a kitten.
(It's a joke ... it's a joke. :oP)
Me ... too.
Kind of got that warm and fuzzy touchy feely kind of thing going on.
Oh ... wait ... I am sitting on a kitten.
(It's a joke ... it's a joke. :oP)
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
El bumpo
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| My Gallery | Yummers, triple choc supreme cookie *drools* | Feel free to add me on MySpace here
Carries thread to the top of the forums ... places it firmly in the site's code.
And a just because or, in case of ... ~ le bump ~
And a just because or, in case of ... ~ le bump ~
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
~ eat my fish ~ as my brother says.... Brothers website
He's too cheap to use real codes, so he just pastes pictures onto it >:\
He's too cheap to use real codes, so he just pastes pictures onto it >:\
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| My Gallery | Yummers, triple choc supreme cookie *drools* | Feel free to add me on MySpace here
his should always remain on page 1...and since I found it on page 2...
BUMP
BUMP
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You heard the feisty female ... pay attention.
~ le bump ~
~ le bump ~
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
and to you aka.
It's nice to see so many people supporting world aids day.
It's nice to see so many people supporting world aids day.
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[Wolfy][My Beautiful Lie..][</3] Feel free to email me!
Guys...how many times do I have to tell you...NO WIRE HANGERS....er, umm, I meant to say...
**BUMP**
**BUMP**
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One of my all-time fave artists who was not only a great talent (whom the art world lost to AIDS) but also a great activist
Lets keep this on the top of page one.
Lets keep this on the top of page one.
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Ana one ...
~ bump ~
~ bump ~
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
Ahem ... taps his podium with his conductors' baton ...
Again ...
Ana one ...
~ bump ~
Again ...
Ana one ...
~ bump ~
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[?]
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
Freddy Mercury, a vocal powerhouse who will always live on...
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I love, Love, LOVED Freddy Mercury...yeah, that was sad...
Bump.
Bump.
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[?]
~ le bump ~
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[?]
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
Cue the sexy music as I bump bump bump this to the top...
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It should be one of those mandatory things like vaccinations. I mean it's not painful, just a little blood test. I think parents don't want to think of what it might mean...but being sexually active isn't the ONLY way to contact HIV.
Oh and page 2???
WTF???
B-U-M-P!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and page 2???
WTF???
B-U-M-P!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I'm ok now Curt...early morning, no coffee yet, saw this on page 2...had a bit of a freeak out...I'm calm, really I am ...no just ignore the twitches, they're nothing...
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With your above statement though, you think it is any wonder that it is predicted that 25% of people infected with HIV don't even know it?
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You know...there are 2 things my daughter will have done when she is "of age"...1- get the HPV vaccination...and 2- get routine HIV tests (my son will get these also)...but then, I fully intend to tell the twins all about the birds and the bees, and if/when they show interest, I would hope that I did a good enough job raising them that they have respect for their bodies, and their sex partner's body and use proper protection...but then I have that kind of "hippee" mentality, that I believe in being honest and open with the kids, and would hope that I have earned their trust enough to be open and honest with me...and if not, I plan on asking outright!!! I also fully intend to tell them about my drug days, and explain WHY they shouldn't use drugs (and this from firsthand knowledge).
I think though, that I am different than many parents. I have already taught the kids that being gay is not bad, that being different (such as in a wheelchair) is not bad...that being naked is not bad (that you should be proud of your body no matter what its shape...and not judge others for their shapes)...and I have not hidden anything from the kids. When I had to have a transfusion during treatments I did my best to explain why, but also WHAT the risks could be.
I wish more people would just TALK to their kids and teach them that "different" people are not bad people...
I think though, that I am different than many parents. I have already taught the kids that being gay is not bad, that being different (such as in a wheelchair) is not bad...that being naked is not bad (that you should be proud of your body no matter what its shape...and not judge others for their shapes)...and I have not hidden anything from the kids. When I had to have a transfusion during treatments I did my best to explain why, but also WHAT the risks could be.
I wish more people would just TALK to their kids and teach them that "different" people are not bad people...
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Here's something that could easily fit in my SOAPBOX thread...BUMP
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At least 110,000 HIV positive people will die if the U.S. Congress carries out its threat to underfund global AIDS programmes.
In 2006 America's international AIDS initiative, PEPFAR, received $3.2 billion for HIV prevention, treatment and care in developing countries around the world. This year was due to see a major expansion of treatment provision, which accounts for more than half of the initiative's budget. Therefore, last February, President Bush requested $4 billion for fiscal year 2007, which began last October.
However, because of unresolved quarrels about spending priorities, Congress has decided to freeze almost all government spending at 2006 levels. So far no exception has been made for the global AIDS budget.
The director of PEFPAR, Dr Mark Dybul, has warned of dire consequences if funding is not increased. Currently around 50,000 HIV positive people are recruited to U.S.-funded treatment programmes every month. Without extra money, enrolment will come to a halt at the end of February, meaning that at least 350,000 people will be deprived of life-saving medication. According to Dybul, between 110,000 and 175,000 of them will die.
"That's what we are talking about. It's not just enrolling people on therapy,'' he said. "It's people who will die - they're gone.''
Efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV will also "pretty much have to halt", said Dybul, with the result that another 23,000 infants will become infected.
AIDS activists say that Congress has at least $12 billion available to distribute to the most deserving programmes, of which around $1 billion should be given to PEPFAR. Democrat Barbara Lee has compiled 87 signatures of House members supporting this proposal.
Approval will ultimately depend on Democrats and Republicans putting aside their squabbles and agreeing that, when tens of thousands of lives are at stake, they have a moral imperative to act. However doing so appears to present a challenge to some politicians, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"She staunchly supports these programmes, but we are also trying to achieve fiscal responsibility,'' said Pelosi's spokesman Drew Hammill. "The Republican Congress created this fiscal mess, and then punted this problem to us.''
Congress has until 15th February to make up its mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At least 110,000 HIV positive people will die if the U.S. Congress carries out its threat to underfund global AIDS programmes.
In 2006 America's international AIDS initiative, PEPFAR, received $3.2 billion for HIV prevention, treatment and care in developing countries around the world. This year was due to see a major expansion of treatment provision, which accounts for more than half of the initiative's budget. Therefore, last February, President Bush requested $4 billion for fiscal year 2007, which began last October.
However, because of unresolved quarrels about spending priorities, Congress has decided to freeze almost all government spending at 2006 levels. So far no exception has been made for the global AIDS budget.
The director of PEFPAR, Dr Mark Dybul, has warned of dire consequences if funding is not increased. Currently around 50,000 HIV positive people are recruited to U.S.-funded treatment programmes every month. Without extra money, enrolment will come to a halt at the end of February, meaning that at least 350,000 people will be deprived of life-saving medication. According to Dybul, between 110,000 and 175,000 of them will die.
"That's what we are talking about. It's not just enrolling people on therapy,'' he said. "It's people who will die - they're gone.''
Efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV will also "pretty much have to halt", said Dybul, with the result that another 23,000 infants will become infected.
AIDS activists say that Congress has at least $12 billion available to distribute to the most deserving programmes, of which around $1 billion should be given to PEPFAR. Democrat Barbara Lee has compiled 87 signatures of House members supporting this proposal.
Approval will ultimately depend on Democrats and Republicans putting aside their squabbles and agreeing that, when tens of thousands of lives are at stake, they have a moral imperative to act. However doing so appears to present a challenge to some politicians, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"She staunchly supports these programmes, but we are also trying to achieve fiscal responsibility,'' said Pelosi's spokesman Drew Hammill. "The Republican Congress created this fiscal mess, and then punted this problem to us.''
Congress has until 15th February to make up its mind.
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<QUOTE>
"She staunchly supports these programmes, but we are also trying to achieve fiscal responsibility,'' said Pelosi's spokesman Drew Hammill...
</QUOTE>
Cool thing to work towards...
<QUOTE>
..."The Republican Congress created this fiscal mess, and then punted this problem to us.''
</QUOTE>
Umm... it's still only one congress, no matter who is in "charge". Stop the finger pointing and get your jobs done. I highly doubt that the republicans actually planned to foist a fiscally unbalanced budget on the democrats, because they may loose control of the House.
*G-Dubya*
"OK guys, it's looking like we may be loosing control of the House. Muck it up... muck it all up. If them democrats want it, they can have it, we'll just leave em a nasty big mess to clean up. then, when they're in control, I'll be expecting you guys to roadblock em any way you can, so they look bad to the public... Got it all? OK. Let's go team!"
*rolls eyes*
"She staunchly supports these programmes, but we are also trying to achieve fiscal responsibility,'' said Pelosi's spokesman Drew Hammill...
</QUOTE>
Cool thing to work towards...
<QUOTE>
..."The Republican Congress created this fiscal mess, and then punted this problem to us.''
</QUOTE>
Umm... it's still only one congress, no matter who is in "charge". Stop the finger pointing and get your jobs done. I highly doubt that the republicans actually planned to foist a fiscally unbalanced budget on the democrats, because they may loose control of the House.
*G-Dubya*
"OK guys, it's looking like we may be loosing control of the House. Muck it up... muck it all up. If them democrats want it, they can have it, we'll just leave em a nasty big mess to clean up. then, when they're in control, I'll be expecting you guys to roadblock em any way you can, so they look bad to the public... Got it all? OK. Let's go team!"
*rolls eyes*
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Earlier I had posted a petition to have the ban against gay and bi men from being able to donate bllod.
Well, I just found another petition for our borthers in arms in England. Which is open until April 22nd, 2007.
Well, I just found another petition for our borthers in arms in England. Which is open until April 22nd, 2007.
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Of course, garbage like THIS and THIS, does not help matters much. These kinds of militant actions do nothing but hurt legitimate movements.
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Of course, then I have to ask... Why do I keep trying to add to my own thread? Just how much can 2 people keep saying to keep it alive. Don't get me wrong, thank you to those who have "bumped" it back to the top, but one thing is for sure... It is a topic people seem quite comfortable with ignoring.
"As long as I don't have to think about it, it can't affect me."
Let me tell you... It does affect you. Silence and ignorance is HIV's greatest allies. It's patient and opportunistic. And, as I have said before... 25% of people infected with HIV don't even know it. The virus counts on that for it's survival...
Now, where's the elephant gun? It's probably about time to put this baby to sleep.
"As long as I don't have to think about it, it can't affect me."
Let me tell you... It does affect you. Silence and ignorance is HIV's greatest allies. It's patient and opportunistic. And, as I have said before... 25% of people infected with HIV don't even know it. The virus counts on that for it's survival...
Now, where's the elephant gun? It's probably about time to put this baby to sleep.
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What annoys me the most is people who are afraid of other people who have it.
My ex friends are planning to go to kenya in two years once they've finished college, to help out...but they were saying some of the nastiest things!
Like they won't help children to learn incase they get infected?
Disgusting if you ask me...why go if your going to be rude.
Hopefully sometime in the future HIV can be avioded and it will never be an issue.
My ex friends are planning to go to kenya in two years once they've finished college, to help out...but they were saying some of the nastiest things!
Like they won't help children to learn incase they get infected?
Disgusting if you ask me...why go if your going to be rude.
Hopefully sometime in the future HIV can be avioded and it will never be an issue.
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[Wolfy][It's like a deathrow pardon two minutes too late]
The reason people are afraid, is because they just plain don’t know any better. The information is out there to protect themselves, and at the same time, they also fear the stigma that can be placed on them if they do ask questions or talk about it. This fear, only plays into the hands of the virus’s ability to survive. The fear, silence, and stigma needs to stop.
In the GLBT community where I live, even the HIV positive people are afraid to talk about it, because of the shunning that can happen. It just plain isn’t right.
As far as your ex-friends go... what are they going to school for? I hope it isn’t in the medical field. We certainly don’t need more backwater thinking people there.
Otherwise, my personal thought as to why they are going to Kenya... it’s the “chic” thing to do. After all, the stars are doing it... Oprah has a new school there, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and now Madonna, have adopted children from the African region. So why not play the part of pretending to care, it will look good on their résumé’s...
Sorry, starting to rant again... :o(
In the GLBT community where I live, even the HIV positive people are afraid to talk about it, because of the shunning that can happen. It just plain isn’t right.
As far as your ex-friends go... what are they going to school for? I hope it isn’t in the medical field. We certainly don’t need more backwater thinking people there.
Otherwise, my personal thought as to why they are going to Kenya... it’s the “chic” thing to do. After all, the stars are doing it... Oprah has a new school there, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and now Madonna, have adopted children from the African region. So why not play the part of pretending to care, it will look good on their résumé’s...
Sorry, starting to rant again... :o(
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Curt...well I wish I knew the answers to all of that. Here's a little side note that may make people think (or maybe still ignore it)...when I was going through cancer treatments, my blood levels dropped dangerously low and I needed a transfusion. I may have said this before, if so, forgive me and call it a reminder...my gay friend wanted to donate and was bitch-slapped back to his hole (or it sure seemed that way!)...I could have HIV right now. I won't be tested for 6 more months...the point is...
I am a monogomous, heterosexual, drug-free woman in my mid 30's. I got sick. I got blood. I am now just as much at risk...despite the many things they do to try to ensure "pure" blood. It could be you next. I don't think or feel as if I got anything, but that isn't my point. While I am pretty certain that when my test time comes up I'll be a-ok, the point is that I am at risk just as much as a kid in Africa, or a gay man in Castro District, or a drug user in Hollywood, or a randy teen in in YourTown USA...
HIV/AIDS is a global problem. Education is the key. Tell your horny teen about sex AND protection, don't be shy or embarassed or ashamed to talk about it. Tell your druggie friend to get help and get tested. And for f**k's sake, don't shun the GLBT community, as they are working harder than any of us to stop this...and it is NOT their problem or their fault, it lies on all of our shoulders!!
Ugg, Curt, you may be right about the elephant gun...
PS--I am pretty sure that was Dubya's game plan, to muck up the country then leave it to the Dem's to try to sort out all while roadblocking their efforts...but then I also think Dubya is the biggest mistake ever made, so I may be biased.
I am a monogomous, heterosexual, drug-free woman in my mid 30's. I got sick. I got blood. I am now just as much at risk...despite the many things they do to try to ensure "pure" blood. It could be you next. I don't think or feel as if I got anything, but that isn't my point. While I am pretty certain that when my test time comes up I'll be a-ok, the point is that I am at risk just as much as a kid in Africa, or a gay man in Castro District, or a drug user in Hollywood, or a randy teen in in YourTown USA...
HIV/AIDS is a global problem. Education is the key. Tell your horny teen about sex AND protection, don't be shy or embarassed or ashamed to talk about it. Tell your druggie friend to get help and get tested. And for f**k's sake, don't shun the GLBT community, as they are working harder than any of us to stop this...and it is NOT their problem or their fault, it lies on all of our shoulders!!
Ugg, Curt, you may be right about the elephant gun...
PS--I am pretty sure that was Dubya's game plan, to muck up the country then leave it to the Dem's to try to sort out all while roadblocking their efforts...but then I also think Dubya is the biggest mistake ever made, so I may be biased.
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*hands out some cookies to the disenchanted*
Take some deep breaths guys and don't underestimate the information that you are disseminating. Want a great film to motivate you, and I highly recommend it ... The Power of One.
Another ... Steve Martin in Leap of Faith.
I love these two flims.
Last word ... Don't lose the faith. :o)
Take some deep breaths guys and don't underestimate the information that you are disseminating. Want a great film to motivate you, and I highly recommend it ... The Power of One.
Another ... Steve Martin in Leap of Faith.
I love these two flims.
Last word ... Don't lose the faith. :o)
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
It's not really about being disenchanted or losing the faith... It is more about the fact that it is a subject that people really would prefer to not talk about. Even the people who have refered to the vacuous content and mindless games of the forum haven't even thought to lend their "intelect" to this subject. And to illustrate a point I made a couple of posts ago, even people who have come out to me in PM's haven't even lent their thoughts to the subject.
Hell, I'm rather suprised that that the thread hasn't been hijacked off on to some bizzare tangent, like 99% of the other threads here. As fun as it is to do, no, I'm not asking for it to be hijacked.
If someone wants to talk about it, I'll lend my voice. But for now, I feel there really is nothing else left to say on this subject.
P.S. Thanks for the cookies... nummy as always. :o)
Hell, I'm rather suprised that that the thread hasn't been hijacked off on to some bizzare tangent, like 99% of the other threads here. As fun as it is to do, no, I'm not asking for it to be hijacked.
If someone wants to talk about it, I'll lend my voice. But for now, I feel there really is nothing else left to say on this subject.
P.S. Thanks for the cookies... nummy as always. :o)
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Well, I only speak for myself of course ... Curt, when someone speaks so eloquently and passionate on any subject for that matter ... I am not one to sully a thread with my meagre thoughts.
I found and do find myself doing the head nodding thing when reading this thread. My support (and I know you are not criticizing me personally) has been by way of a few 'bumps.'
My fear is that if I were to contribute some intellect, if you will ... it will come off sounding like rhetoric on my part and I see that as doing more harm. So ... I leave the podium to those that know more and can articulate better.
Please don't take this the wrong way ... but, are you asking 'us' to do something that maybe 'we' are not capable of ... or have as yet ... not come to grips with?
I don't shy away from an intellectual discourse ... and I do happen to believe you and Jenn have covered a lot of the issues.
And I think ... think that the fact that no one has stolen this thread may be a testament of sorts to how serious the subject is viewed. The converse could be true too ... and that seems to be the point that you are trying to make ... people are uncomfortable talking about it.
That is not a surprising response though. Those things that we fear and don't understand ... seem to get similar treatment.
I prefer, however to embrace the former.
And this may sound like a platitude of sorts, but I don't mean it that way ... if you change one person's mind ... that rates as a success in my mind.
So, what? Stop the dialogue? Seems somewhat counterproductive to me.
Just some thoughts.
I found and do find myself doing the head nodding thing when reading this thread. My support (and I know you are not criticizing me personally) has been by way of a few 'bumps.'
My fear is that if I were to contribute some intellect, if you will ... it will come off sounding like rhetoric on my part and I see that as doing more harm. So ... I leave the podium to those that know more and can articulate better.
Please don't take this the wrong way ... but, are you asking 'us' to do something that maybe 'we' are not capable of ... or have as yet ... not come to grips with?
I don't shy away from an intellectual discourse ... and I do happen to believe you and Jenn have covered a lot of the issues.
And I think ... think that the fact that no one has stolen this thread may be a testament of sorts to how serious the subject is viewed. The converse could be true too ... and that seems to be the point that you are trying to make ... people are uncomfortable talking about it.
That is not a surprising response though. Those things that we fear and don't understand ... seem to get similar treatment.
I prefer, however to embrace the former.
And this may sound like a platitude of sorts, but I don't mean it that way ... if you change one person's mind ... that rates as a success in my mind.
So, what? Stop the dialogue? Seems somewhat counterproductive to me.
Just some thoughts.
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The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes.
- Marcel Proust
And some very good thoughts you projected. :o)
I also do agree, that if what has been posted here has changed somebody's mind, yes it has succeeded.
As far as the "stopping the dialoue"... How can the dialogue stop if there has been no dialogue, beyond the few discussions that have arisen, such as the ban against gay men from being able to donate blood? The dialogue effectively stopped a while ago.
You're probably right though, people are uncomfortable talking about it because they have yet to come to grips with it. Fine. But does that make it OK for the thread to be continually "bumped" back into their faces with no discussion about it? To show people, its OK to talk about it or to ask questions?
Like I said, if someone wants to talk about it, I'll lend my voice. But for now, it feels more like preaching to an empty church.
I also do agree, that if what has been posted here has changed somebody's mind, yes it has succeeded.
As far as the "stopping the dialoue"... How can the dialogue stop if there has been no dialogue, beyond the few discussions that have arisen, such as the ban against gay men from being able to donate blood? The dialogue effectively stopped a while ago.
You're probably right though, people are uncomfortable talking about it because they have yet to come to grips with it. Fine. But does that make it OK for the thread to be continually "bumped" back into their faces with no discussion about it? To show people, its OK to talk about it or to ask questions?
Like I said, if someone wants to talk about it, I'll lend my voice. But for now, it feels more like preaching to an empty church.
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Aye... wootness. Hopefully they found something to help. They have been doing Interuken reasearch for wuite awhile. I think it was 5 years ago, or so, when Interluken 2 was being used subcutaneously (i.e daily shots) to help the immune system. Only time will tell. :o)
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I always try to balance the light with the heavy - a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes ~
Bette Midler
~ ~ (My GALLERY, such as it is.) ~ :o)
I found this article from 7 0r 8 months ago, while surfing around doing some research for a project... LINKIE.
*Warning: A bit on the heavy side.*
*Warning: A bit on the heavy side.*
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I always try to balance the light with the heavy - a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes ~
Bette Midler
~ ~ (My GALLERY, such as it is.) ~ :o)
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I always try to balance the light with the heavy - a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes ~
Bette Midler
~ :o)
you know...he may well have hit on something, herbal meds have a long history of proven effects...
or...
he can be completely full of crap and it is a placebo effect (the mind is a powerful tool in itself)
i, however, am hoping he hit upon herbal/medical gold and will share it for testing...and if proven to work...let's start mixing this stuff up and saving lives!
or...
he can be completely full of crap and it is a placebo effect (the mind is a powerful tool in itself)
i, however, am hoping he hit upon herbal/medical gold and will share it for testing...and if proven to work...let's start mixing this stuff up and saving lives!
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[?]
I think it would be a mistake to assume that the thread is not read because people don't post to it. Maybe that isn't dialogue, but bear in mind that if somebody is uncomfortable talking about a subject, posting to a public forum like this is not necessarily the easiest place to begin. You can't know that you haven't sparked dialogue between partners or families or friends or with doctors...
It's probably also important to say that many medical staff _do_ understand the subject and may take sensible precautions, but do not display the sort of prejudice that those you've described do.
Regarding blood donations: to be fair to the doctors who wouldn't allow a friend to donate because he was gay, they probably have absolutely no discretion in the matter. That's not to say they didn't behave badly - there are ways and ways of saying things and it's possible to explain that kind of rule without seeming to dismiss somebody.
Blood donation rules are weird in other ways too. I'm not suggesting it justifies the rules at all. I donated blood once in the US and then the rules changed so I could not. The Red Cross banned blood from persons who'd lived in the UK for more than 6 months during a certain time period. There is justification for this, but the justification only applies to some such persons (it would include me) just as the concerns about gay men's elevated risk only applies to some persons in that group.
Does anybody know how they come up with these policies? There must be some balance between the need for as many donors as possible, on the one hand, and the increased complexity involved in more individualised risk assessments, on the other. It would be interesting to know how they calculate it and what other factors are considered, as well as the data feeding into the decisions regarding the ban on gay men donating.
- cfr
It's probably also important to say that many medical staff _do_ understand the subject and may take sensible precautions, but do not display the sort of prejudice that those you've described do.
Regarding blood donations: to be fair to the doctors who wouldn't allow a friend to donate because he was gay, they probably have absolutely no discretion in the matter. That's not to say they didn't behave badly - there are ways and ways of saying things and it's possible to explain that kind of rule without seeming to dismiss somebody.
Blood donation rules are weird in other ways too. I'm not suggesting it justifies the rules at all. I donated blood once in the US and then the rules changed so I could not. The Red Cross banned blood from persons who'd lived in the UK for more than 6 months during a certain time period. There is justification for this, but the justification only applies to some such persons (it would include me) just as the concerns about gay men's elevated risk only applies to some persons in that group.
Does anybody know how they come up with these policies? There must be some balance between the need for as many donors as possible, on the one hand, and the increased complexity involved in more individualised risk assessments, on the other. It would be interesting to know how they calculate it and what other factors are considered, as well as the data feeding into the decisions regarding the ban on gay men donating.
- cfr
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LOS ANGELES - Same-sex couples who want to exchange vows in front of Cinderella's Castle now have the chance.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Walt Disney Co. had limited its Fairy Tale Wedding program to couples with valid marriage licenses, but it is now making ceremonies at its parks available to gay couples as well.
"We believe this change is consistent with Disney's long-standing policy of welcoming every guest in an inclusive environment," Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker said Friday. "We want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcome and respected."
The company said it made the change after being contacted by a gay couple who wanted to use the wedding service, which offers ceremonies at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney's cruise ships.
The service offers flowers, dining, music and many optional Disney touches, from ceremonies in front of the parks' iconic attractions to having Mickey and Minnie Mouse in formal wear as guests. The packages start at $8,000 and can cost more than $45,000.
Groups not affiliated with Disney have held annual "gay days" celebrations at Disney parks for years. Company officials have taken a tolerant attitude to the weekend, allowing party promoters to rent out parks after hours and rebuffing religious groups that condemned Disney.
In 2005, Southern Baptists ended an eight-year boycott of the Walt Disney Co. for violating "moral righteousness and traditional family values."
ADVERTISEMENT
The Walt Disney Co. had limited its Fairy Tale Wedding program to couples with valid marriage licenses, but it is now making ceremonies at its parks available to gay couples as well.
"We believe this change is consistent with Disney's long-standing policy of welcoming every guest in an inclusive environment," Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker said Friday. "We want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcome and respected."
The company said it made the change after being contacted by a gay couple who wanted to use the wedding service, which offers ceremonies at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney's cruise ships.
The service offers flowers, dining, music and many optional Disney touches, from ceremonies in front of the parks' iconic attractions to having Mickey and Minnie Mouse in formal wear as guests. The packages start at $8,000 and can cost more than $45,000.
Groups not affiliated with Disney have held annual "gay days" celebrations at Disney parks for years. Company officials have taken a tolerant attitude to the weekend, allowing party promoters to rent out parks after hours and rebuffing religious groups that condemned Disney.
In 2005, Southern Baptists ended an eight-year boycott of the Walt Disney Co. for violating "moral righteousness and traditional family values."
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World AIDS Campaign
World AIDS Day
___________________________________________________________
For FREE & confidential testing sites in your area, check out:
Free HIV Testing Resources
If you are interested in having the ban against gay males lifted for being able to donate blood, as this is no longer just a "gay male" disease, you can check out the petition:
PETITION