Instead of posting a red ribbon or making the blog red, TPR is observing World AIDS Day (December 1st of every year) with photos from icons and culture mongers who died of the disease. Going through each photo was a receptionist’s nightmare (HOW can I perkily transfer a call like this???), but also a worthwhile reminder to keep myself safe. There are many, many frightening statistics of new HIV cases every year, and in the United States, the majority of those new diagnoses are in gay men. There are free HIV testing services in most major cities, don’t be afraid to get a swab or stick! The many generations of people that we have lost to the disease is a testament to the continuing need for awareness, treatment and an end to the discrimination that people living with HIV still have to endure. These photos are not meant to be exhaustive, but a sampling of the many people whose life and work have influenced mine. Thanks to my various buddies who brainstormed with me!
*Leigh Bowery

*Jermaine Stewart (We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off)


*Keith Herring

*Klaus Nomi

*Eazy-E

*Dorian Corey(left)

*Arthur Russell

*Freddie Mercury

*Ricky Wilson (center)

*Alvin Ailey

*Robert Mapplethorpe (right) I didn’t realize how many iconic, classic, and eternal photographs he took, take a gander here

*Steve Rubell (center) Owner, Studio 54

*Rock Hudson

*Willi Ninja










