Community
HIV And AIDS
The first time I heard of AIDS, I thought they were talking about the carmel like diet supplements my mother used when I was a kid. Not the same thing and it didn't take long to figure that out. I knew a young man that had contracted HIV sometime after college. I knew he was gay.
By Denise E Lindquistabout a year ago in Pride
Accurate Representation. Runner-up in Represented Challenge.
I remember sitting in my parents’ living room when I was in my early teen years. I don’t remember the age, but it was around that time in my life. I was watching an MTV show about HIV. In the show, two men kissed and hugged and held hands. That was the first time in my life I pondered my sexuality. It brought me peace, that other people can love openly and without shame. Seeing physical affection between two men on a tv screen made me realize that is what I wanted.
By J. Delaney-Howeabout a year ago in Pride
Matthew West's Code
It all started when I was doing plays in Chicago, Illinois. I was enjoying the city life. The great food and entertainment that made the city. It blew my mind how many standing ovations I got. I was one of the best trying to be thee best actor in history. And I could do just about any male role. I knew how to get inside the character. I knew how to coeval each character. Even the bad guy was easy. I was destined to win an Oscar. I was destined to be a Golden Globe winner. Yeah that was my life and I love every bit of it. And I had the charisma, the charm and the manners of a great actor. Betty was my love. She was an actress. She was beautiful and cunning. And she helped me with the parts. She was my better half. We were a team in Chicago. Chicago was our city and we were the stars in their sky. It's been several years since I've been home to Texas. I have not been Texas since a teenager and now over 40 years old. Sometime I dream of Texas seeing Mom and Dad and Aunt Sarah. Mom only had one sister and Dad was an only child. My Dad was always trying to say something smart and wise. He would encourage me to be a doctor. Or even a scientist that discover something great. Especially since we lived on the farm. I still remember the Down South and Western life. Mom was always sweet. She had always kind words and words of insight. She would inspire me to act. She knew I love the attention. She knew I would be great. Anyway Betty wanted me to share her with the family. And I have been promising her a family for decades. She was loyal and believe me but now she is fed up. She want me to do something important in this relationship. So I tried to prolong the inevitable going home. And I promise real soon so much that Betty brought the train tickets. And she surprised me by packing my stuff. Betty knew everything about me and she said We are going home Down South Down West. And I was dead nervous but I tried to get her to turn back by scaring her about the trains. Hey don't you know how to drive. You almost hit me. Are you blind? Or Gee look at him, he is about to run over a car no not that one probably another one. Until midway Betty pull me out of the common area and she told me something that made me think. She said Matthew Matthew West I may be pregnant and my manager said that I can't act no more because they don't want a pregnant woman enticing them and that maybe I should get married because it is about time. And I dropped to the floor. Suddenly I did not laugh anymore, happy about the child but my career was ruin too. I could not look back and just when I became emotional. I saw a man at the train and he looked like Dad. And I wanted to follow him but Betty wanted to get a hotel. And so I did and I wandered about my family. And I ate dinner with Betty and promised her everything would be okay. Even promising her that I would continue for her. And I went on a walk. I found this popular bar with a rodeo cow. And I drink a few and made friends easily and I rode nine times trying to get it right and just a drunk. I lost track of the time and walk to the hotel. And I saw a woman that look like Mom. And she did not recognize me. And I told her my full name I am your son Matthew West. And she asked me a few personal questions and she said No Matthew I am your Aunt Sarah. And she shamed me for being drunk. And she told me that my family brought a rodeo and turn the farm into a cowboy joint. And I tried to explain to her that I wanted to do acting but my woman is pregnant. She said And what did they say. And when I told her. Aunt Sarah acted just like she did when I was a child. She shamed me and stop what she was doing and help me get back to the hotel. I don't remember much except Betty getting on me to come. Aunt Sarah drove up after making sure I was safe last night. It was broad daylight. And she honk the horn several times that I yelled alright alright from the window. I sat in the back while Betty sat in the front. Betty was excited about Down South Down Western. I enjoyed the ride in the backseat. And she finally came to this farm, I have to say it was country and beautiful at the same time. Mom hug Aunt Sarah. And Mom grab me and Betty, she was still strong. I told Mom that she might be pregnant. And she said it is sure good that you came home. I missed you so much really. And now it is time to spend with your family. Mom took Betty inside the house. I helped Aunt Sarah with the farm. And man it was hard work. I was sweating under that damn heat. And it was interesting and intriguing, I saw this stallion that I really wanted to ride. And Aunt Sarah caught me staring. And she said alright Matthew go for it. And she helped me with other workers to get on. But that horse kept rejecting me many times yet somehow I made him love me and I felt like those paintings of George Washington. I was all man. I was all soldier. I was all cowboy. And I turn my hat and shouted. And I got the stallion to carry me to the porch and the workers took him back. And I came in and Dad was at the door. And he was kind but disappointed. And we talked a good long time till supper. And Dad knew how to make someone feel love through his talking and fellowship while Mom would straight out and say it. I was home. And I married Betty on my first paycheck.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primousabout a year ago in Pride
Representation
A Moment in Media Representation: The effect of one experience on my identity. In the present era, what shapes our perceived worth as single beings and as social entities, as members of society and culture, is reflected in the media. But for many citizens, it is not, and the images that they are receiving and observing on the cultural/satellite television mirrors are distorted or entirely missing. I experienced identity formation through one impactful event and being able to find, originally, a character that looked like me and dealt with real-life issues, trials, and tribulations, that also closely resembled my experience growing up in media that barely represented me.
By Sanjeevi Kandasamyabout a year ago in Pride
We Must See it to Believe It.
As a Writer, Author, Poet and World-Shifter, I look to the giants of the past to pave my runway. James Baldwin is an icon not only for his contributions to the literary world but for his unapologetic and radical acceptance of himself. When I reflect on why representation of LGBTQ+ trail blazers matters, he is the first icon that comes to mind.
By Ariel Celesteabout a year ago in Pride
