Roberta Flack, award-winning singer, recently died in February. In June 1969, she released her first album, “First Take,” a year after the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. One song on the album, “Tryin’ Times,” starts with, “Tryin’ times is what the world is talkin’ about. You got confusion all over the land.” I keep thinking about this song and its continued relevance.
In 1986, I attended the first AIDS Walk New York. The Opening Ceremony was in the Damrosch Park bandshell in Lincoln Center. I was excited to see so many people! What would become a signature song for AIDS Walk New York, “Love Don’t Need a Reason” debuted from the stage, sung and co-written by Peter Allen, with Michael Callen and Marsha Malamet. I started volunteering at GMHC after the first walk and was hired full-time in 1993, shortly after both Peter and Michael died of AIDS-related complications. Throughout these decades, the staff, clients, volunteers, walkers, and donors supporting GMHC have witnessed the devastating impacts of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. We have also survived through subsequent other epidemics, outbreaks, disasters, wars, and moments of opposition from external leadership at various levels of government. Yet, our work to provide care services, prevention programming, and public policy advocacy has endured, and AIDS Walk New York (our largest fundraiser) has continued. We have remained a dedicated, brave, and caring community—no matter what has occurred.
On St. Patrick’s Day, I left the office and headed to a nearby diner for dinner. I love diners and always sit at the counter talking to the waiters and guests. While I was eating, a group of six bagpipers arrived dressed in their regal kilts, black vests and berets, while carrying their bagpipes. When I saw them, I beamed! While they were eating their dinner, I stood near their table, and we talked. They were very patient and kind. They could see I was thrilled to be in their presence. I felt a moment of joy! One of the bagpipers asked me about my work and how long I had been at GMHC. When I told him this was my 32nd year as an employee, he then asked, “How do you continue to work there?” I smiled, as I have been asked that question many times. I feel called to do the work, to be of service and take action, as well as volunteering at other organizations.
Recently, I haven’t been sleeping well. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night around 4:30 am, sit on the edge of my bed and cry. I have increased reaching out to more folks (“I am just checking in”) and offering hugs. I laugh a lot at times. Restarting therapy has been a good thing, too. I also try to attend rallies and related events while monitoring how much I read about these “tryin’ times.” What often gives me hope includes what people share, particularly the wise and brilliant writers who post on social media.
No matter what, we will be here to support and encourage each other. Our feelings—are valid—even the ones that are uncomfortable to sit with.
As Larry Mass, one of GMHC’s six founders has said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. How do we keep going? For starters, we do it together.” We won’t stop!
I have walked and worked at 39 of the 40 walks, missing one when my daughter, Parade, was born in March 1995. She will turn 30 years old in a week and has continued to participate in the walks over the years.
See you on May 18th in Central Park for the 40th annual AIDS Walk New York!
Thank you.
Krishna Stone
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