POZ Community Forums

Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Trish on June 05, 2006, 11:32:04 am

Title: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Trish on June 05, 2006, 11:32:04 am: Hi Everyone,

My article is due out today, and I'm more than excited about it. However, I'm getting a bit worried....it's not out yet. I'm anxious to see it and post it for you. I thought it would have been posted by now, but when I checked last, it wasn't there. As soon as it appears, I will post the link for you.

The interview was mostly on a personal level - it had to do with the Faces of AIDS and being that this is the 25th Anniversary of AIDS, they are doing a week-long segment. The first part, due out today, features the Faces of AIDS, and I am one of them. They are profiling 3 people. During the interview I touched on quite a few different items that concern me, and I spoke of my thoughts of HIV & living with it for 17 years: I spoke about my diagnosis back in 1989 and my husband's death; The stigma of HIV and it's impact on my life, which is the most destructive part of it all for me; The lack of prevention education; The lack of awareness; The complacency and silence over the years; The meds and their side effects, as well as resistance and adherence; The ridiculous price of meds (I even showed the reporter my receipts, which she was appalled at); And I also touched on the complacency & silence of AIDS in the media... there were other things I mentioned, but my memory fails me at this point.

As I sat with the reporter in our livingroom while the photographer photographed me (of course I smiled in most of the pics he took -- I'm such a Ham), my nervousness waned quite quickly and I became very comfortable. I spoke as though I was talking to a close friend or family member. She was very attentive and I believe she walked away with more knowledge of AIDS than she has ever received.

I came away from the interview feeling released, relieved and at peace with myself. I hope to do this again one day... in whatever venue comes my way.

I will post it here as soon as it's out...

Thanks for all your support & love, my AM family. Love to you all.

HUGS all around...

Trish :-*
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting!
Post by: Terry on June 05, 2006, 11:45:06 am: Trish,

All over the morning news today has been about the 25 years ago today they made the first report about AIDS. What really angered me is the reporting was all about Gay, Castro arena in San Francisco. And one woman who said derogatory comments about those of us that has HIV/AIDS.

Twenty-five years and the world is still in the dark!

Looking forward to you interview.

Terry
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting!
Post by: OzPaul on June 05, 2006, 01:12:30 pm: Trish

Thank you so much for being 'out' in the world. I admire your brave and courageous spirit !!!
I'm looking forward to reading the interview.

Cheers
Paul
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Trish on June 05, 2006, 06:45:57 pm: Ooops! Forgot to include the link.

FINALLY, IT'S HERE...

First, I'd like to say that this article is on a website that is geared toward 18 - 35 year olds. It is a fairly new site and is a part of Associated Press.

Second, I was not happy with the pictures they used. Please be nice.... :D I certainly don't look like a supermodel as Regan Hoffman does in her interview on Good Morning America this morning. Which was a very nice interview, btw. "Power" to you Regan. I'm still awaiting your call... ;D

Third, the article is about living with HIV on a personal perspective. All the things I spoke about are not exactly in the article, but I was able to educate 2 people (the reporter and photographer) about HIV and all the crap that comes along with it.

And finally, there is an Audio clip included. Now you all get to hear my voice... YAY!!!

So, without further adieu, I give you the link to my interview...

http://asap.ap.org/stories/633791.s (http://asap.ap.org/stories/633791.s)

Edited to add: Be sure to read the whole article, they go back and forth with each profile. It's actually separated into 3 sections. Enjoy!
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Basquo on June 05, 2006, 06:56:16 pm: BRAVA!!!!!!!! fantastic, trish, Just fantastic! I'm going to send this to some friends of mine who "just don't get it"...
Love and again, BRAVA!!!!!
Creighton
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Sdgirl on June 05, 2006, 06:58:39 pm: Awesome, awesome, awesome! I am so proud of all of the women that are speaking out just in the short time since I have been diagnosed! You are brave Trish, you are powerful, strong and beautiful......we will make a change!

Lisa
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Teresa on June 05, 2006, 07:05:56 pm: Trish,
You should be very proud of yourself! Im so proud of you! You did a fantastic job and u are so beautiful inside and out.

You and John make a lovely couple.

THank you so much for being such a brave woman!

Hugs
Teresa
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: AlanBama on June 05, 2006, 07:06:09 pm: Trish!

You did great honey, that was fantastic. I enjoyed the audio clips too.
You should be very proud of yourself. Thanks for putting it 'out there'.

Hugs & kisses,

Alan
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Ric Wilke on June 05, 2006, 08:49:33 pm: Lil' Sis,

You got two big Bros that are damned proud of you. You continue to amaze us and we love you beyond words.

Thanks for your willingness to speak from your heart for all of us. This 25 year mark is one that we will forever remember because of people like you.

All our love, Ric and Thom

PS, John you standing next to Trish completes the perfect picture. Hugs.
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: zephyr on June 05, 2006, 09:12:13 pm: WAY TO GO, GIRLIE, WAY TO GO!!!

From ocean to ocean, continent to continent, you have sparked INSPIRATION, EDUCATION and EMPOWERMENT throughout the WORLD for all HIV/AIDS women, men and children!!

I do believe I'm starting to hear a CRACK in that damn of STIGMA!!

We've just hung up the phone, and you know how I feel about you, honey.........BTW, love the photo of John and you!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Much love,

Zephie

modified because my marquee thingy messed up!

Zephie
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Robert on June 05, 2006, 09:32:53 pm: Trish....

A picture is worth a thousand words....

You and John are priceless!!!

Thanks for sharing.

robert
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: RAB on June 05, 2006, 09:46:54 pm: Trish

Your interview was exactly what I would have expected from you. Honest and to the point.

Thank you (and thanks to John too) for stepping forward and offering your story (ies). The more voices that are heard the more clearly the message will be delivered.

AND THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO HAPPEN!

RAB
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: kcmetroman on June 05, 2006, 10:14:59 pm: I gotta say that I have never been so proud as I am of you baby.....You had their attention, and you took my heart.

But I gotta say, who is the goofy lookin bald headed geek?
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Terry on June 06, 2006, 12:07:09 am: Quote:

"I have this fear that they'll find a vaccine and leave those of us behind that are on meds now," she said. "That's my biggest fear. They'll forget the research and let us die off."

OMG! I’ve thought that very same thing. You did good Lady!

Terry

:-*
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: JohnOso on June 06, 2006, 05:15:24 am: Great, great job Trish! (And the bald-headed, geeky guy looks like a keeper too!) ;D

Much love,
John
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Jena on June 06, 2006, 07:40:08 am: Trish Honey, I'm sooo proud of you! What an excellent article. Thank You for being so brave.
I love you sweetie!
Jena
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too
Post by: Markmt on June 06, 2006, 07:59:27 am: The audio and article are excellent Trish. You spoke from the heart and thats why the message will hit deeper. The other guys did pretty good too. Well done for speaking up and most of all feeling comfortable about it - giving courage and strenght to others,

hugs,

mark
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Trish on June 06, 2006, 11:38:07 am: Awa, gee... I'm blushing :D ::)

You guys are wonderful...

Creighton, Lisa, Teresa, Alan, Ric, Zeph, Robert, Rocky, Terry, JohnOso, Jena & Mark

I'm so happy that you enjoyed the article. And thanks for taking the time to read it. Means alot to me.

Had it not been for my coming to Aidsmeds and meeting all of you, I'm afraid I never would have done this... I've gained so much strength from all of you, and for that I am very, very grateful.

Creighton - I'm glad you took the time to send it to all your friends. Hopefully, they'll "get it" now...thanks honey. :-*

Lisa, Teresa, Jena & Zeph -- my "women in arms." I believe that you are all strong, beautiful and powerful. We all are, we just don't give ourselves enough credit. I'm no braver than any of you.. I just got to a point in my life where living in a lie was destroying me. I couldn't or rather, I can't hide anymore. I'm done with that, and I feel liberated. It's my belief that the more we "come out" and tell our stories, the more people will understand, or at the very least, try to understand. I'm sure a day will come where you will feel empowered to do the same. It is scary, but after it's done, holy shit... what a refreshing thing it is... And when you're ready to come out publicly, you will know it. I did. I think a new age is upon us and I believe women will rise above and make a difference. The time has come... KUDOS to all the ladies I've come to know & love. YOU ARE "STRONG, POWERFUL & BEAUTIFUL." :-* :)

Zeph, I wish you well today in your interview -- just be yourself and speak from your heart -- you can't go wrong. I'm proud of you too honey. :-*

Alan - Love you!!! Guess what? John bought me a new blouse for the occasion...thanks for suggesting it. You know how I love to shop... ;D Thanks for all the love you give and being so supportive. You're TOPS!!! :-*

Ric "Big Bro" - I was very proud to do this... I hope to get the chance to do it again. I really want to be a part of the solution. I want to make a difference and will all of you behind me, in spirit and in heart, I can achieve my goals. Love ya. :-*

Robert - Thank you for the support and encouragement. "Priceless?" Wow!!! We're happy and I think the pic does say it all... :) :-*

Rocky - "The more voices... the more clearly the message will be delivered." I agree Rock, and I'll continue delivering the message -- LOUD & CLEAR!!! Thanks love. :-*

Terry - How the hell are ya, old geezer? :D ;) I've been missing you. You know, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this way. It really is my biggest fear, being left behind to die... I hope they won't do that, but still, something that weighs on my mind. Thanks for all your support & love. :-*

JohnO - Yeah, Johnny boy's a "keeper" indeed. He may look a bit "geeky", but he backs me all the way and is truly a part of what makes my heart beat. He helps me to keep up the good fight. He's a wonderful man, and I'm so in love with him. Thanks! :)

Mark - If we all tell our stories from the heart, I'm sure we can break through the barriers of stigma. At the very least, there are some folks who will come to understand better that people from all walks of life are not immune from HIV. It's something that all people should know about, and it's high time we talk about it freely, openly without fear of discrimination and with utmost sincerity -- from the heart, that's all it takes. This is my belief. Thanks for your support. :) :-*

OzPaul - Thank you for the vote of confidence. It's always great to have that backing. Makes me stronger. Thanks!!! :)

I really do want to make a difference. It's been on my mind since 1989. I'm just glad that I've been alive this long to deliver my message. May have taken me a long time, but fact of the matter is that I DID IT!!! And I am very proud! I will remember this for the rest of my life and I'll never look back. Doing this interview empowered me even more. I've liberated myself...freed myself. The sense of release I feel, I can't explain it. You really have to experience it for yourself. And please, please, when the time is right for anyone of you (you will know it & feel it) to "come out", don't fight it -- go with your instincts & your heart. The more stories told, the more people will "get it." The more we hide, the more people believe we have something to hide from...and we really don't. We are human, we have feelings and we have a RIGHT TO LIVE FREELY & WITHOUT FEAR OF DISCRIMINATION. WE HAVE A RIGHT TO BE OURSELVES.

In solidarity, love & respect,

Trish :-* :)
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Moffie65 on June 06, 2006, 11:50:22 am: THANK YOU TRISH STEEN, AND JOHN MARTIN

In Love and Awe..............................
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: Trish on June 06, 2006, 12:09:38 pm: (http://www.kuhnflowers.com/images/kuhndozenroses.jpg)

For you Big Daddy!!!

IN LOVE & RESPECT

Trish & John :-* :)
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too
Post by: Iggy on June 06, 2006, 12:23:09 pm: .
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: cmhjeff on June 06, 2006, 01:11:45 pm: GREAT JOB!!!

I enjoyed listening more so just to put a voice to the face :)
You GO Trish
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: jon on June 06, 2006, 01:24:08 pm: WOW!!! Well said and well done. Keep up the good work. Best of luck out there in the sticks.
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: purpledragonfly on June 06, 2006, 05:51:06 pm: Trish,

WOW, You are so great, i am proud to say i know you and think of you as one of my friends. I know that something great is about to happen for all of us living with this. I think it is time for us women to make a stand. I know i am going to talk to my case manager this week and get the support group up and running. I have been talking to teenagers about using protection. It amazes me that so many still do not protect themselfs while haveing sex. They are shocked when they find out i am poz. they first think i am this old lady just trying to get in their business and all. The funny thing is i am, i don't want to see anyone go thru what we have to go thru each and every day. So if i have to be an old lady getting in their business i will. Maybe one day i too can do what you and Zeph are doing and speaking out in public and making a difference.

Love you for speaking up and making a difference. Oh yea, John you and Trish make a wonderful couple and one day i too want to have what you two have.

Love ya both,

Wendy
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too
Post by: manchesteruk on June 06, 2006, 05:56:41 pm: Trish,

Great article and I thank you for being so brave and stepping forward and making a stand with all this. I often think how much easier HIV would be to live with without the stigma still attached to it. I liked the New York accent as well!

Chris
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too..
Post by: emeraldize on June 06, 2006, 11:23:36 pm: Thank you, Trish.
Title: Re: AP Article...waiting! FINALLY...IT'S HERE!!! Take a look-see and listen too
Post by: TedEBearNC on June 07, 2006, 09:52:30 pm: I enjoyed the read and hearing your voice too. I'm proud of you and admire you very much.

Phil