Monthly Archives: July 2012

deepsouth – documentary feature opens in DC July 24

In the southern United States, the reach of the AIDS epidemic is real, and it is growing.  In a region of society where many continue to consider it a sin to be homosexual and AIDS a curse from God, those who are HIV infected are ostracized, quarantined, denied services, and left to their own devices - while often already existing in grave poverty.  And it should come as no surprise that the African-American population has the highest numbers for both men and women infected by HIV. Among those who want this to end are the filmmakers behind the new documentary feature film deepsouth.  Traveling 13,000 miles over  (more…)

Paintings of Hugh Steers – on view through July 20th in Chelsea, NYC

Upon first seeing the paintings of Hugh Steers, my mind went to Edward Hopper.  The color juxtapositions, the simplicity of his subject matter, but mostly, the way he distills a space in time down to its deeper essence.  One breaths with the moment when viewing his work.  Through images of playfulness, campiness and deep compassion, Steers' paintings touch upon (more…)

Elton John’s new book, “Love is The Cure,” addresses his reaction to the AIDS crisis

It's possible that many have experienced a similar emotional crisis as that which Sir Elton John admits to in the pages of his new memoir, Love is The Cure. People close to us became very sick and were gone within a year - sometimes months - leaving us confused and reeling, and ultimately, perhaps, doing nothing more than numbing ourselves to the pain.  It is warming to find a book opening up this experience, and describing how it inspired him to do such good. He refers to the book as a collection of stories that he hopes (more…)

AIDS Memorial Quilt Turns 25

Is this the ultimate piece of American Folk Art?  It seems to be the most inclusive.  In the 25 years since it originated, the AIDS Memorial Quilt has grown to incorporate 94,000 names on 48,000 panels covering 50 miles.  100,000 people have been involved in the sewing, embroidering, stitching & overall creation of this essential piece of remembrance.  And The Names Project, custodians of the Quilt, continue to receive a new panel or two each day.  Being entirely hand-sewn, (more…)

July is National HIV Awareness Month

Start by taking the pledge to end HIV in America; click here to sign. If you can make it to Washington, DC in the latter part of the month, you can attend the XIX International AIDS Conference on July 22nd - 27th, marking its first occurrence in the US in 22 years.   Elton John will be the keynote speaker on July 23rd.  And there are plenty of related cultural events being presented in the weeks around the conference.  Click here for a list. One of the best things listed is the Arena Stage's presentation of Larry Kramer's play "The Normal Heart" from June 8th through July 29th. (more…)