World AIDS Day
Hey Booklovers!
December 1st is World AIDS Day. I am filled with a deep sense of reflection and remembrance. As a gay man, this day carries an intimate and poignant significance for me. It’s a time to honor those we’ve lost, acknowledge those living with HIV/AIDS, and recognize the strides we’ve made in combating this epidemic.
HIV/AIDS has had a profound impact on the gay community. Growing up in the 1980s, I was acutely aware of the stigma associated with being gay and the heightened fear surrounding HIV. This fear was not just about the virus but also about the judgment and discrimination that came with it.
I think of Rock Hudson, whose coming out as a man with AIDS was a turning point in the public’s awareness of the disease. I made a book review video about a biography of him. Rock Hudson never lived openly as a gay man. His queerness came to light only shortly before his death. Other artists were queer trailblazers, living their truth openly before they succumbed to the terrible disease. Names like Freddie Mercury, whose music had such a profound impact on my life, and Keith Haring, whose art spoke volumes about love and activism, come to mind. Their deaths were not just a loss to the world but felt like a personal blow to our community’s soul.
HIV/AIDS has shaped our community in ways that are both painful and inspiring. We have seen incredible loss but also remarkable progress in medical research and advocacy. The fight against HIV/AIDS has united us, bringing forth activists, healthcare professionals, and ordinary people determined to make a difference.
Today, we celebrate the lives saved through advancements in medicine and the tireless work of those advocating for awareness and equality. We acknowledge the importance of regular testing, safe practices, and the power of solidarity in fighting stigma.
World AIDS Day is a reminder that our journey is far from over. It’s a call to action for continued support, education, and compassion. As a gay man, I stand with my community, honoring our past and looking forward to a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a shadow over our lives. I honor Freddie, Keith, Rock, and thousands of unknown others who lost their lives. I stand with my community, proud of our history of resilience and activism, and committed to
Together, we can ensure that love, understanding, and hope continue to drive us forward.
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Stay bookish and fabulous,
Felix
