Tell us about your
first AIDS Ride.
During the first 50 miles of that first Ride, I cycled
behind a Positive Pedaler – and I cried the whole time. I realized that I was
only out about my status with select people, even though I did public speaking
about HIV/AIDS to schools. I knew I didn’t want to send the message that I was
proud because I was HIV-positive, but rather that I’m proud of who I am. And
being HIV-positive is a part of that.
What have you learned
about living with HIV, especially after two decades.
I’ve learned to listen to and read my body. When I’m tired, for example, I
know I need more iron, so I eat foods rich in that. I treat myself with
naturopathic methods and have a holistic approach. I’ve become a vegetarian, I
don’t drink or smoke, and I exercise – cycling gives me plenty- along with
regular strength training. I did take AZT for three years, but I felt it was
tearing my body down. I think medications are important to prolong lives,
however, and I will take them if they are indicated – but not until that point
would come.
Tell us about John,
your lover who died from AIDS.
He died in 1990 at the age of 40. We were together for ten
years. John was very high-energy workout kind of guy. He loved life, and he
loved to spoil his kids – he had two daughters. I’ve kept on a stepfather ever
since. I try to fill the gap where he left off. After he died I created an
organization that helps families navigate the medical system so they won’t have
the same hassles we did. That operated until the mid-1990’s.
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