So, now I have to call myself a writer. I've been "in print" for over a year, and I've on one occassion been paid for the words I typed.
Below is an explaination of why I started writing. But really, it's become an addiction. When something happens, or I have an idea, the first think I do is open the laptop and start typing. Had I known it was so intoxicating, I would never have started.
So, below the rational, but I'm out of control now and careful what you say, I may write it down!
In the spring of 1999, after attending a circuit party in Birmingham, I became very angry. At first, I had a great time - the music, the men, it was a dreamworld. This party, supposedly an AIDS benefit, was an orgy of indulgence. Too many drugs, too much alcohol, too much unprotected sex. I was enraged. Here were men repeating behavior that brought the very plague they were raising money to fight.
Madness.
Think what you might of unprotected sex, anonymous sex, sex radicalism; you cannot escape the fact that lots of sex, lots of alcohol and few condoms can make you sick.
Then I realised that for many gay men, especially younger guys, there is no AIDS crisis. It's a boogeyman from the past. You can take medication, there's a vaccine, there's nothing to worry about.
I wrote our state's monthly paper, The Alabama Forum, and they published my angry letter on the subject.
I was soundly reprimanded by a local DJ and a bar owner - how dare I, as a gay man, attack gay businesses. Taking the high ground, they felt we suffered enough from outside and shouldn't attack each other.
Sorry honey, it's never been my place to let people off easy. Especially if your young customers are dancing, drinking and drugging their way into oblivion.
Rather than simply fume, I began writing; trying to debunk myths, inform and maybe even scare people. Gay men have a lot to be proud of, but a lot of shame - we are complex creatures - adult males with the sexual behavior of teenagers. This is not a world that is kind to the careless - one mistake can kill you, whether it's unprotected sex, or that lovely mix of GHB and Alcohol which is so popular these days.
This column is my attempt to describe or explain, or bring attention to some of the more difficult things in the Southern gay community. We live in a beautiful place, our community is unique and vibrant, yet we seem to be trapped in our own limited self image.If you want a good idea of what my beliefs are, read this: Design For Living: Strengthening the Body Politic Seven Ways by Armistead Maupin
I'm a PhD student in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and I have access to scientific and medical literature that too dense or technical for the lay person. But within it is information I think we could all benefit from knowing. I want to share that with you. Also, there are many programs and organizations within our community that are under represented, I want to give them some time. There are hyperlinks for many of the articles to take you to web based resources.
This entire website Copyright 1998-2001 Tod Companion
updated 4/28/01