Category: Knowing Me Knowing You

I received my positive diagnosis the second week of July 1992. At the time, it never occurred to me how that would change the trajectory of my life, or that I would have a life.  I was given until the ‘end of the year.’  I was living with my spouse (“Sam”) of almost seven years,…

Camden Orgain is a professional pianist who has worked in New York City, San Francisco, Provincetown, and Palm Springs. He agreed to a special performance for LKAPS members as a unique way to make his acquaintance. Camden is performing Schumann’s Waldszenen (“Forest Scenes”) Op.82, No. 1: Entrance. Camden writes: “I ran a concert series in…

My HIV journey was no “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” — it was more like “Ebb Tide,” rushing in and rolling out. I remember being told that good things come to those who wait. This turned out to be true for me, but it was impossible for me to believe in my twenties.  I moved to…

I spent most of my life being an advocate for social justice.  I was born in Birmingham, Alabama, during the movement for racial equality that centered in that city.  In college, I was part of a group that fought Georgetown University for the right of gay students to organize a formal campus social group.  I…

Ken Vergonet June 6th 1988 is when I was diagnosed with HIV. I remember going to the mandatory mass HIV testing site, which was at the Airmen’s Club across the street from my work center. I walked over terrified because I knew I had put myself at risk, but it wasn’t something you talked about…