Podcasts about world aids day december

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Best podcasts about world aids day december

Latest podcast episodes about world aids day december

FORward Radio program archives
Truth To Power | Grassroots Radio Conference 2023 | Opening Panel | 12-15-23

FORward Radio program archives

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 59:02


This week on Truth to Power, we bring you a national conversation about the power of community radio! Forward Radio was thrilled to participate in the 2023 Grassroots Radio Conference in Charleston, WV from Oct. 20-22. Today we bring you the conversation that kicked it all off, a panel moderated by Louisville's own Sharon Scott from our sister station, ArtxFM WXOX on “How Community Radio is being leveraged to empower us all!” Speakers included: Maria Martin - a multi-media journalist who currently directs the GraciasVida Center for Media, a nonprofit based in Texas and La Antigua, Guatemala devoted to the practice of independent journalism in the public interest. For the last twenty years, the Center has worked to improve the skills & working situation for rural, provincial, & Indigenous journalists in Guatemala, Bolivia, & Nicaragua, as well as to improve the coverage of Central America on U.S. public radio. An award-winning public radio journalist for over four decades, Martin developed ground-breaking programs for public radio, including NPR's Latino USA. She's the recipient of Fulbright and several Knight Fellowships, and has won over two dozen awards for her work covering Latino issues and Latin America. Dr. MarkAlain Déry - an infectious disease physician and public health practitioner in New Orleans. Dr. Dery co-founded WHIV-LP, a radio station dedicated to human rights and social justice. WHIV first went on air on World AIDS Day (December 1st), 2014 with a mission to promote advocacy through innovative messaging. Dr. Déry actively helped to lead the response to COVID-19 in New Orleans and hosted the NoiseFilter show throughout the pandemic. http://NoiseFilterShow.com Dr. Rob Quicke - Co-founder of World College Radio Day, which launched in 2011 by Coldplay's Chris Martin. Over 1,000 college radio stations in 53 countries have participated in the last decade. Dr. Quicke is also professor and director of the School of Journalism & Mass Communications at Marshall University, WV. Previously he was General Manager of WPSC from 2007 to 2021, when it won the Marconi Award for Best College Radio Station of the Year. Dr. Quicke is also author of the upcoming book Finding Your Voice in Audio, Radio & Podcast Production (2024, Routledge). LaGanzie Kale - the founder and General Manager of KLEK, the first & only minority operated radio station in Jonesboro, Arkansas. KLEK was made possible by the 2010 Local Community Radio Act, giving low-power stations a place on the FM dial. LaGanzie saw an opportunity and worked to build a station from the ground up. The 100-watt station launched on Jan. 1, 2015. In 2016 Kale was presented with an Arkansas Community Service Award by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Joseph Orozco - Board member to the Pacifica Association of Affiliates. He was the first editor of the only independent newspaper in Hoopa Valley he named, Common Sense. In 1978 he worked with the Tribal Education Committee on their Radio Project and attended his first NFCB Regional Summit. That is where he experienced Non-Commercial Educational FM and never looked back. In 1980 KIDE-FM Hoopa Tribal Radio signed on-air. Orozco was a Board Member. In 1988 he was hired to be the Station Manager. Currently he works part-time as the KIDE Website Content Coordinator. He helped initiate the Indigenous Communication Association & was recently appointed to the Hoopa Tribal Education Association, Board of Directors. Learn more at https://www.2023grassrootsradioconference.com/ On Truth to Power each week, we gather people from around the community to discuss the state of the world, the nation, the state, and the city! It's a community conversation like you won't hear anywhere else! Truth to Power airs Fridays at 9pm, Saturdays at 11am, & Sundays at 4pm on Louisville's Forward Radio 106.5fm WFMP and live streams at http://forwardradio.org

Transpositive PDX
World Aids Day December 1st Writers

Transpositive PDX

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023


writers world aids day december
Queer News
Special Edition: Celebrating our 200th episode & we honor World AIDS Day - December 4, 2023

Queer News

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 67:28


This week on the Queer News podcast Anna DeShawn celebrates her 200th episode of the Queer News podcast. Listen in to hear the top Queer News headlines of the week, her top five Queer News Stories & her top five Queer News moments. We think a couple might surprise you. Then to  honor World AIDS Day Anna shares episode one of the Qube Original podcast Black HIV in the South: How Did We Get Here? We really hope you enjoy this special edition and we thank you for listening. Let's go!   00:00 - Welcome to the Queer News podcast  1:32 - Queer News Listenership Survey, https://bit.ly/QNPSurvey2023  2:20 - Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66  2:50 - It's our 200th episode!  4:15 - Subscribe to the Second Sunday podcast, https://pod.link/1708662302  4:53 - Intro Music by Aina Bre'Yon 5:30 - Top Queer News headlines  8:57 - Top 5 Queer News stories  17:48 - Top 5 Queer News moments  27:54 - Honoring World AIDS Day with Black HIV in the South: How Did We Get Here?  30:55 - Anna's Word - Ambie award winning speech 32:34 - Buy an Ad on the Queer News podcast, https://bit.ly/3ohYXAw  33:03 - The History of Black HIV in the South 1:07:00 - Closing

Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast
Woodstock man charged with fraudulent prescription writing

Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2022 10:28


A Woodstock man was arrested Thursday on charges that he forged a doctor's signature to obtain over-the-counter drugs, according to the Cherokee County Marshal's Office. Bryan Chirangu, 33, has been charged 21 felony counts: nine counts of identity theft fraud, six counts of first degree forgery, two counts for possession of a schedule IV-controlled substance and four counts for possession of a schedule II-controlled substance, according to his arrest warrant filed November 8 by the Cherokee County Marshal's Office. Chirangu is accused of using the identity of a doctor without authorization to create fraudulent prescriptions on multiple occasions over about three months, according to his arrest warrant: between July 11 and July 12 to obtain Lorazepam, also known as Ativan; between on September 9 and 11 to obtain Alprazolam, also known as Xanax; and on September 1 and on September 13 to obtain Alprazolam, also known as Adderall. The warrant says the alleged fraudulent prescriptions were filled at the Walmart pharmacies on Holly Springs Parkway and Bells Ferry Road. Human remains were found near the Etowah River in Canton Thursday, Canton Police Department announced. Officers responded at about 10:19 a.m. Thursday to Reformation Parkway, near the Waleska Street underpass in response to a 911 call due to human remains being located in the area, the police department reported. The remains will be turned over to the GBI crime lab to be examined. This incident is actively under investigation. According to police, additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses and the remains are positively identified. Anyone with information to is asked to contact the Canton Police Department. The Living Bridge Center South in Canton is offering free HIV testing in observance of World AIDS Day December 1. The Living Bridge Center South is located at 130 Riverstone Terrace, Suite 102 in Canton. Testing will also be available December 1 at the Whitfield County Health Department's Adult Health Clinic (formerly known as MAC) at 800 Professional Boulevard in Dalton. The Living Bridge Center staff will hand out goodie bags, T-shirts, and treats at both sites to anyone who gets a free HIV test that day. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 700,000 American lives have been lost to HIV since 1981. More than 1.1 million Americans are currently living with HIV and many more are at risk of HIV infection.Top of Form   For more information about HIV prevention, World AIDS Day, or the free HIV testing being offered that day, call The Living Bridge Center in Canton. To order a free HIV self-test kit, go to GA Cap Us dot com and click the red triangle.   Reinhardt University has added a master of science in nursing program with a focus in nursing education, the university announced Thursday. The program recently received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This continuous five-semester program is 100% online, with the first cohort beginning in the fall of 2023. The MSN in Nursing Education prepares students for careers at colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools and hospital educational departments. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator, Novice Nurse Educator and Academic Clinical Nurse Educator exams. The curriculum also supports the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a terminal nursing degree. Applicants for Reinhardt's MSN program must have completed a bachelor of science in nursing from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited and state-approved nursing program. Applicants must also hold a current unencumbered Georgia or compact state registered nurse license at the time of the application deadline.   Reinhardt running back Devyn Collins was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Week following the Eagles' 40-0 win over Union to close the regular season. Collins ran for 214 yards and four touchdowns in the dominant win that helped Reinhardt (8-1, 5-0) earn the AAC's automatic bid to the NAIA playoffs. He averaged 9.7 yards per carry to secure his second weekly award of the season. As the AAC's leading rusher this season, the junior from Rome averaged 106.8 yards per game, along with a conference-best 17 touchdowns. Collins finished the Eagles' regular season on a high note, accounting for the first four scores against Union. He opened the floodgates with a 25-yard run on the Eagles' second drive of the game and followed with a 19-yard run with two minutes left in the first quarter. Collins' most explosive play came in the third quarter, a 61-yard touchdown run. Reinhardt will open the NAIA tournament on the road today, facing former Mid-South Conference rival Lindsey Wilson.   On Thanksgiving Day, thousands of meals will be sent out for delivery or picked up to be enjoyed by families in Cherokee and Pickens counties who otherwise wouldn't have a meal for the holiday. Cherokee Thanksgiving is in its 30th year feeding local families this year, said Cheryl Mosley, the coordinator of the event. What began with a small group at Canton First United Methodist Church has grown to a nonprofit organization with over 200 volunteers. The group expects to serve about 2,400 meals this year, Mosley said. The meals are for anyone — those who cannot make or buy their own meals, and first responders like police and firefighters who have to work on Thanksgiving. People can have their meals delivered or they can order a meal to pick up and take home. This year's event was planned to be organized from Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q in Canton, which has helped provide food in the past, but plans had to change quickly after a fire shut down the restaurant earlier this month. The couple connected the nonprofit with another local restaurant, La Catrina Tacos and Margaritas in Canton, where staff are now also helping prepare food to continue the tradition. This year's Cherokee Thanksgiving meal is chicken, rice, green beans, dressing and gravy, a roll and a sugar cookie.   #CherokeeCounty #Georgia #LocalNews           -          -          -          -          -          -          The Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast is local news for Woodstock, Canton, and all of Cherokee County. Register Here for your essential digital news.             This podcast was produced and published for the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger and TribuneLedgerNews.com by BG Ad Group     For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/    https://cuofga.org/   https://www.drakerealty.com/   https://www.esogrepair.com/                   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living African
040: My Life With HIV - W/ Honorine Mbibe ft Dr. Grace Fombad

Living African

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 57:59


In honor of World AIDS Day (December 1st), we will talk about living with HIV. HIV/AIDS has always been one of those diseases that has drastically impacted our community and has been around for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Africa, this disease was synonymous to a death sentence and though there have been great strides and advances towards it, there's still be a tremendous amount of stigma and stereotypical ideation towards it. With so many scientific developments, the prognosis of HIV/AIDS compared to 20+ years ago has drastically improved and there are lots of HIV+ patients who live their lives as normal as any other person who doesn't have it. So, our purpose on this episode isn't only to educate our African community about this disease, but to defy the stereotypes surrounding it. MEET OUR GUEST: Honorine Mbibe is a 23-year-old student, model, and an adolescent champion. Moreover, she is currently in a modeling competition where her project is to stand for adolescents and young people living with HIV, as well as fight against the stigma surrounding AIDS and discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients. CONTACT: Email: honorinembibeh@gmail.com Things You Will Learn in This Episode: [00:01 – 07:00] Introduction Some statistics on HIV/AIDS Introducing the guests [07:00 – 17:36] Honorine's Story How she found out she was HIV positive How she came to accept her status Trying to live a life of purpose with an HIV diagnosis The harsh reality of stigmatization Using her story to impact her community  [17:36 – 24:22] Advancements in The Fight Against HIV/AIDS Dr. Grace Fombad shares her thought on the advancements made through the years The importance of sensitization and creating awareness Fighting stigmatization against HIV patients How Sub-Saharan Africa is fighting HIV/AIDS [24:22 – 40:28] Honorine's Therapeutic Regimen and Accessibility of HIV/AIDS Medication Honorine talks about how important medication is The shortage and accessibility of medications Benevolence from international communities [40:28 – 50:26] The Stigma Associated with HIV The lack of empathy towards HIV patients The lack of education on the disease Dating with HIV [50:26 – End] Final Words The importance of Educating our Community on HIV/AIDS Dr. Grace & Anyoh's last words.   Tweetable Quotes: “It wasn't easy growing up knowing that I was HIV positive because I experienced stigma from the society. I was very pale and people around me will be like “you look like an AIDS patient”, even when I [or they] didn't know my status. This made me go into my shell and just stay there” - Honorine Mbibe “When the HIV positive diagnosis was disclosed to me, it wasn't easy, but I had to use it as a stepping stone in my life. I told myself that I would never let others have the wrong information about this disease. So in my domain, I try to educate others on the basics of HIV.” - Honorine Mbibe “When we stop labeling people and calling people names, then we show love. People commit suicide because they cannot bear the amount of stigma that exists in the community [towards HIV/AIDS]. Showing empathy [towards HIV patients] is very important in every situation and when you show empathy, you show love.” - Dr. Grace Fombad LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out the best content just for you! You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at hello@livingafricanpodcast.com. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more. You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).  

Transpositive PDX
World Aids Day/December 1st Writers

Transpositive PDX

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021


writers world aids day december
Electric Love Fire...
Prayers on this World AIDS Day, December 1st 2021.

Electric Love Fire...

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 12:24


Psalm 22 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/electric-gospel/message

prayer psalm world aids day december
Wellbeing Wednesdays

In honor of World AIDS Day (December 1st), Courtney breaks down the basics of HIV, including transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. For more information, you can visit: www.hiv.gov

hiv world aids day december
The Locher Room
World AIDS Day - December 1, 2020

The Locher Room

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 65:13


I hosted a special show highlighting World AIDS Day in The Locher Room on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Joining me for a frank conversation about the state of HIV / AIDS in America are two GMHC staff members, Krishna Stone, the Director of Community Relations in the Communications Department at Gay Men's Health Crisis and Gregg Bruckno, who is a long-term survivor and works with long-term survivors. GMHC is the world's first HIV/AIDS service organization and their mission is to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.I am also thrilled to have a very good friend Tyler J. Helms joining in the conversation. Tyler at 28 years old shared his HIV status bravely with the world on December 1, 2009 in a Facebook post. He has never shied away from sharing his thoughts, feelings and complete honesty about his life experiences and living with HIV in New York City. If you haven't read one of Tyler's blog posts I highly recommend you do. https://www.tylerjhelms.com/.

Don‘t Stop Me Now
Episode 12 - Judd Winick (Pedro Zamora's Real World Roommate)

Don‘t Stop Me Now

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2020 62:26


It's my absolute pleasure to share this very special chat with you in honor of World AIDS Day (December 1st).  My guest today is none other than Judd Winick from Season 3 of The Real World San Francisco or as many remember, Pedro Zamora's close friend and roommate.  In 1994, Pedro Zamora became the first HIV+ person to appear on a reality tv show.  He showed the world what HIV and AIDS was for him, that he was a person living with AIDS, not dying from it.  Pedro lost his battle with AIDS before the year ended (Nov. 11, 1994) and the world mourned together as we had all fallen in love with this beautiful human.   **Please Subscribe, Rate, Review and Share this podcast** My Links: Website: https://www.jennifervaughan.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifervaughanhiv Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/jenniferleighvaughan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7nqJb8dp_5awmBRCKUrTcw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vongirl Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/vongirl24

Life in Fukuoka
#034 Labor Thanksgiving Day / World Aids Day December 1st / Beware of Fires

Life in Fukuoka "English"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 7:04


Life in Fukuoka "English" #034 LOVE FM 76.1MHz http://lovefm.co.jp/

Legal Aid Matters
HIV Project with Marissa Korte

Legal Aid Matters

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2019 31:21


In acknowledgement of World AIDS Day (December 1), our co-hosts sit down with SOAR paralegal Marissa Korte to discuss Legal Aid Chicago's HIV project and the ways that an HIV diagnosis can impact other legal issues, like housing and employment. Tune in to learn about how legal aid helps people living with HIV and to celebrate the incredible advancements in HIV treatment and prevention over recent years. 

project hiv soar korte world aids day december
Greener Thoughts
Countries, Climate Change, & Comparisons: World Renewable Energy Most Benefits Countries with High CO2 Levels

Greener Thoughts

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2019 49:14


Learn how renewable energy can shape your country (big or small) and what companies and investors can look forward to buy investing in renewable energy! #climatechange #countries #renewableenergy #research #greenerthoughtspodcast Announcements: 1) World AIDS Day - December 1 and 2) Results of My 1st "Greener Thoughts" Anniversary Celebration Prize Giveaway! Resources from the podcast: 1) https://www.cell.com/trends/immunology/fulltext/S1471-4906(19)30210-8 - RESEARCH REVIEW IMMUNE-RELATED, 2) https://www.altenergymag.com/article/2016/05/the-50-most-innovative-new-renewable-energy-companies/23565 Desktop/Mobile: Podcast page (main): https://anchor.fm/greenerthoughtspodcast Supporting Greener Thoughts: https://anchor.fm/greenerthoughtspodcast/support Voice Message Greener Thoughts: https://anchor.fm/greenerthoughtspodcast/message --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greenerthoughtspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/greenerthoughtspodcast/support

Bear With Me
ep 019 Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Bear With Me

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2018 68:32


On this episode we talk movies, clubs, Dr Who, Marks weekend away and Stephen fesses up about the reason behind his friend biting him. On the run up to World Aids Day (December 1st) we decided to take a rapid response HIV test live while recording the podcast. the test was supplied by The Terrence Higgins Trust and you can get yours at www.tht.org.uk, here in Scotland, you can get more information at www.waverleycare.org, in the US it’s www.hiv.gov. We also started a new segment where we talk about instagram posts or pages that have caught our attention. check out www.instagram.com/songinkollo and www.instagram.com/virginiawrightx. You can follow us on instagram at www.instagram.com/podcastbearwithme or contact us at podcastbearwithme@gmail.com You can follow Mark at www.instagram.com/sparkicub and Stephen at www.instagram.com/justahometownboy

Boston MedTalks - Boston Medical Center
90 – 90 – 90 Treatment Target to Help End the Spread of AIDS

Boston MedTalks - Boston Medical Center

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2017


90 – 90 – 90 is a treatment target to help end the spread of AIDS. This is an idea that by 2020, 90 percent of people living with HIV will know their status, 90 percent of people who know their status will be on antiretroviral therapy and 90 percent of people on antiretroviral therapy will achieve viral suppression.Dr. Cassandra Pierre and Paul Goulet join the show to discuss the quality of infectious disease care offered at Boston Medical Center, World AIDS Day (December 1st) and how Boston Medical Center is the largest HIV/AIDS program in the New England area.

Bright Side with Tekneshia
Nicholas Snow - Author, Singer/Songwriter, HIV/AIDS Activist

Bright Side with Tekneshia

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2014 58:00


Nicholas Snow is a journalist, author, actor, radio and television host, singer/songwriter, LGBT civil rights activist, and a world-renowned, openly-gay, openly-HIV positive advocate for HIV testing and safer sex. Nicholas Snow makes every day World AIDS Day (December 1st) by promoting HIV testing and safer sex as one of the world's leading multimedia entertainment activists.  This is told in his riveting, new, written-as-he-lived it, well-reviewed, living-powerfully-with-HIV memoir, Life Positive: A Journey to the Center of My Heart. (http://www.LifePositiveBook.com). 

BodyMindSpirit RADIO
We Get Results

BodyMindSpirit RADIO

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2013 64:00


Getting results means getting involved and Mary Singer Albertson shows us how by example and invites us to learn from others during her monthly program, We Get Results,  LIVE the 4th Tuesday of each month 1-2pm (est).  Mary brings up the issues, books the guests who are connected to the issues and as the answers unfold you are always left with something to think about as well as a call to action.  Mary is member of the International Citizen's Lobby group, RESULTS which has made incredible inroads along the path of human rights.  646-378-0378 is the number to call to participate in the LIVE show and you can always connect with Mary Singer Albertson at www.bodymindspiritRADIO.com as well. Here in November, Mary will be enlightening us about World Aids Day (December 1st) what's being done, what WE can do! 

No Limits
No Limits - World AIDS Day - December 1, 2011

No Limits

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2011 51:28


HIV/AIDS in Indiana on World AIDS Day. Our guests will include Damien Center Executive Director Tom Bartenbach, a client served by the center and Dr. Danielle Osterholzer, IU School of Medicine faculty member and Medical Director of the Ryan White HIV Clinic at Wishard Hospital.

Doing My Part For The Left
WORLD AIDS DAY December 1st 2007

Doing My Part For The Left

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2007 52:22


(This is a repeat of the show I did last year for World AIDS Day. I have nothing to add but more tears.) December 1st is the day to honor the memory of all the people we have lost to AIDS and say a prayer in our hearts for those living HIV & AIDS.  The world has lost so many men, women, and children to this horrific disease. This is the 19th World AIDS Day.  I remember attending a meeting to organize a remembrance 19 years ago in an apartment in Raleigh, North Carolina.  If anyone had told me I would still be attending or helping with World AIDS Day events 19 years later, I would have called them a liar but here I am. I refuse to rant or rave about the stupidity that has caused this disease to continue and worsen for so many years.  Today is not the day for that.  However, I will share some stories from my life.   I have lost over 1,000 people I call friend to this disease.  I will not list all the names but they are burned into my heart and soul.  I will tell you about a few special people who touched my life, my heart and my soul. The first person I lost to AIDS was David Pendergras.  He was one of the most beautiful men I have ever met.  I had a huge crush on David that finally became one of the best friendships I ever had.  David was the brother my brother could never be to me.  We would spend hours talking about everything from our latest boyfriends, clothes, music, movies, books, plays, and even family.  It was nothing for us to sit up all night talking, laughing and watching old movies.  I still miss his smile and wacked out sense of humor.   One time when we were out shopping with my Mom, David screams from across the store "Would you come on Miss Thing. We are ready to go."  I was mortified.  We were in Raleigh, North Carolina and I had only come out to my mom the previous year.   To my surprise, my mom laughed and hugged David.  I think he actually helped her understand me and what it meant to be a gay male.  Neither David nor I were nelly in anyway but did love to cut up once in awhile.  I still talk to David and tell him my dreams, fears, and aspirations and he is still listening and cracking jokes.  David, I love you and I miss you. In July of 1999, I lost two incredible people in 10 days time.  Keith Mcelhenny had been a friend for 8 years.  I had met him and his lover Carl when I was dating a mutual friend and bartending part time at a country western bar in San Francisco.  Keith was one of the gentlest souls I have ever known.  He was an artist, a writer, a furniture builder and designer.  Keith and I would get lost in the bookstores while our respective lovers would fuss and complain.  I loved attending plays, movies and concerts with Keith & Carl and talking about them afterwards.  For many years, any holiday was spent either at their home or with them at my home.  Dinner parties were a common occurrence and I always knew the food would be wonderful and would help with my own contributions.  The last two times I ever attended church were for Keith.  He was inducted as a deacon to the MCC church he and Carl belonged to and he asked me to attend.  Unknown to me, I was asked to participate in the lying on of hands part of the ceremony.  I tried to refuse as I am not a practicing church member of any kind and he and the minister said I had a Christian heart and the service would not be complete without me.  The next time I attended was for his memorial service.  I had promised Keith in the hospital that I would cater his memorial to make sure it was nice and not just thrown together.  Keith's memorial was delayed for several days since his Minister and the majority of the congregation of the church was at an MCC World Conference.    I was honored to do this for him and still miss him terribly.  He will always hold a special place in my heart and mind. The other person I lost that awful July was my Lover Don.  What can I say about Don?  He was light of my world.  Here was the one man that was special enough for me to date, live with and love more than 6 months.  He was someone I wanted to grow old with and laugh about our past blunders, but that was not to be.  When I met Don, he had been HIV positive for 15 years.  That did not mean a thing to me.  I was in love from the first night we spoke.  I am not saying everything was perfect.  No relationship is.  We were total opposites in almost everything.  He loved bloody action movies and gambling.  I am a comedy or chick flick guy.  In his entire life, he had never seen a play, a classical concert or even a jazz concert.  He laughingly said that the only things we had in common were that we were both gay, loved dogs, and loved each other. He had this sleepy little smile that could melt my heart and make me forget any little dispute.  He would plan special occasions for me that would simply blow my mind.  He was probably one of the most romantic men I have ever met.  It was nothing for him to plan a special night on the town or an incredible dinner at home with flowers and candles all over the house.  He made me feel special and unique.  Don died on the Thursday before Keith's memorial.  He died at our home with our two dogs, his cat and me.   One week after Keith's memorial, I threw a party for Don.  I cooked all of his favorite treats and invited his friends and mine.  There was a poker table set up in one room, music and conversation in the living room. I decorated the house with every type of flower I knew he loved.   Don will always be a part of me.  He touched my heart & soul as no other human being ever has.  I think of him always and still talk to him and listen for his answers.  He occupies my dreams when I am troubled and has even helped me find solutions.  I wish anyone in love 10 years for every 6 months that Don and I had together.  It was the best 5.5 years of my life.     Take some time today to remember the loved ones you have lost and to say a kind word to those you know who are living with HIV and AIDS.  Wear a Red Ribbon and explain the significance to all that ask.