A memory of World AIDS Day, 1990

I was not out to anyone but myself. I spent the 80s on the sidelines in West Texas, afraid of everything. By 1990 I knew what was happening with me, but the best I could manage in a public-facing way was to be a "not gay" ally.

I worked as the music director of my college radio station, so on December 1, 1990, I made sure there was special programming to make the day known.

I got yelled at by a student who worked at the station. They were angry that we were "promoting homosexuality." I let them scold me and then the programming went ahead as scheduled.

I'm thinking about that moment now because of this ghoulish Presidential administration and its attempt to erase this day from public consciousness by eliminating its recognition. When the nightmare they're making comes to an end, I want these villains punished.

Anyway, here's something that went out over the airwaves that day.