AIDS Walk’s founder challenges San Diegans
It was very gratifying to be honored last Sunday by AIDS Walk San Diego. I’m writing this letter to publicly thank Dr. Jacobs and the Board of The LGBT Center, The AIDS Walk committee and its Director Donnie Luehring for this great honor and for the outstanding job they have done over the years carrying on the vision and mission of AIDS Walk San Diego.
I was so impressed standing on stage and looking out over such a large crowd and enthusiastic teams of supporters on Sunday. I thought back to that first day in 1985 and realized what a difference 26 years has made and what a vital role the WALK plays in providing the much needed services for people affected by HIV/AIDS. It was also heartbreaking to not see one person there from those tragic days. I personally crossed out 265 names from my address book during those years.
It was quite a different atmosphere in 1985 and a much different feeling in the air. For those participants who were born post 1985 the best way I could describe those dark days is to say that AIDS in the 80s was the gay community’s 9/11 and we were at the center of Ground Zero. I make that comparison as someone who was witness to and lived through both. The circumstances were very similar. Without warning, a sudden and devastating attack from an unknown enemy was perpetrated on our community. It brought sure and often swift death. The AIDS virus was unstoppable and it destroyed an entire generation and brought our community to its knees. Like 9/11, when the smoke and ashes cleared, thousands of our friends had disappeared and the parade of memorials and funerals was unrelenting. Fear and panic around the “Gay Plague” was in the streets and unlike the victims of 9/11, there was no sympathy, no compassion, no funding, no services, no Social Security Disability and no help from the outside world.
Because of the silence, the gay/lesbian businesses and bar owners and hundreds of individuals became the “first responders” to our tragedy. Chris Shaw, Lou and Carol Arco, Greg Vasic, Clint Johnson are some of the names that come to mind. The Imperial Court played a huge role and of course, leading the charge and mentoring a lot of us along the way was Nicole Murray Ramirez.
Times have changed; progress has been made and like Ground Zero today, there is healing, better understanding and the promise of a healthy life. While the WALK in 1985 had more of a vigil or funeral march atmosphere to it, the WALK event now is much more about life and promise and a celebratory attitude with cheering and inspiring music. It is entirely appropriate for our current times. But, as we move forward, let us not forget that there is a new HIV/AIDS war taking place.
Make no mistake, while battles have been won, the war is not over. HIV/AIDS is raging its way through the most vulnerable members of our society; women, children, people of color and seniors. With thousands of people continuing to be infected daily across America in communities where culture and tradition still cause rejection and fear we must stand by our brothers and sisters regardless of community origin.
I am so very proud of all the committed San Diegans who continue to support and spend hours of volunteer time and energy raising money for AIDS Walk San Diego year after year.
Yet, I write this letter and offer it as a challenge to us all to continue the traditions of courage, compassion and commitment anywhere HIV/AIDS strikes, until we find a cure.
Susan Jester
Founder, San Diego Walks For Life/AIDS Walk San Diego
