so many gorgeous men

[jawnbc]

I am filled with the beauty of gay queer men today. I truly am.

First, so many moving, powerful, thought-provoking, honest messages for World AIDS Day. And the one that moved me the most just happened to be my gorgeous husband's. I've been moved ever since.

And truth be told, I tend to not give much energy to World AIDS Day. I think my work (currently in research, but before that in queer activism) usually gives me a sense that every day is AIDS day. And homophobia day, and sexism day and racism day...it's an ongoing conversation--one I need and want. So all your messages managed to shift that, and I thank you.

But it gets better. Today was the launch of the first ever 2 day BC Gay Men's Health Summit. So I got to reconnect to my community, see all sorts of familiar faces, and get solid evidence of what's happening--and what's not. HIV and most STIs are up; funding levels are static. Tomorrow is the "roll up your sleeves" bit, and I'm facilitating one of the conversations. I am privileged.

I find as I get older, the beauty of gay men--often physically, but mostly in terms of spirit--so compelling. And moving.

I am moved. You have moved me. Go raibh mile maith agat anois

Comments

[dclore.livejournal.com]

I can never understand why people can be homophobic, sexist, racist, ageist, Eurovisionist (I just made that up) etc.

Can't see the point myself. People are people. if there wasn't diversity (and cheese) where the hell would we be?

[feygele.livejournal.com]

first ever gay men's health summit? Really? There was one in 2004 that was over a couple days and aimed at Queer Men (not just gay; trans and bi guys were explicitly invited), possibly organised by Gayway, though I can't remember for certain...

Do you have presentation notes for it? I'd love to read what you'll be talking about...

[jawnbc]

You're thinking of Euphoria? Which was more community education. This was a political strategizing event--not divorced from our everyday lives, but geared towards invigorating a (social) movement.

I'll try to email you my powerpoint, but 'tis nuthin' special...

[feygele.livejournal.com]

I can't remember if Euphoria was the name or not... It was community education, sure, based in health (safe sex and meth, cruising, STIs, prostate cancer, whatever).

So was a rep from the Coastal Health Authority there to hear your strategizing? Or will a proposal be forwarded to them (or any politicians)?

(I received your PPT; I'll watch after I'm done this paper.)

[jawnbc]

VCH, BC Health and Health Canada all at the table.

[ink-ling.livejournal.com]

I really think appreciation is a really magnetic, sexy quality. That and earnestness and remembrance and caring. It has set me in a much warmer space, posture, too, to get to see this.

And thank you for taking the time to express this response.