World AIDS Day 2013

Every World AIDS Day since 2006 I have uploaded this post that first appeared in 2005 on a long-gone blog called Everything is Not Real.  Though anyone who has followed my blog has likely read it every so often I feel the need to remind myself, and perhaps you won't mind being reminded also, of how fortunate most of us are. 

Christopher was a party lad on the London scene who wrote funny, frivolous, bitchy posts about his club and love life but in the midst of it all would suddenly post something that made you realize the man behind the Armani suits, the parties and the trendy bars and clubs.

Each time I reread his entry for World AIDS Day 2005 I am made more aware of the truth of what he wrote: for myself and so many of the people I love and care about.

December 1, 2005
I have lottery fantasies.

I dream about being able to buy fast cars and designer clothes until they come out of my ears. I want houses in London, New York, East Hampton and Rio. I want to be able to travel first class and work out at The Third Space and get reservations at Annabel's just because of who I am. I want to be able to take hot dates on tours of the National Gallery. When it's closed. Because I'm one of it's biggest benefactors.

Needless to say, twice a week, I am disappointed.

This morning, on the way to work on the tube, I was reading a Times article, written by Annie Lennox, about the millions and millions of people in Africa who are suffering with HIV and AIDS, and dying, and how the governments of the richer nations, such as the one I live in, have pledged support over an eight year period. And how they absolutely must stay committed to this goal.

One of the kids she spoke to on a recent trip to Africa was dying of AIDS. But before he got sick he lost his mother, father, brothers, sisters and pretty much everyone else he cared about to the same disease. He was totally alone in the world. With no hope. And certainly no dreams of fast cars or a nice comfortable house, anywhere. And that shit isn't even near the important stuff.

There are approximately 6,450,000,000 humans on Earth.

Most of them are not 33 year olds who have careers which afford them access to guest lists to the best clubs and bars the city has to offer. They don't have friends who will stick with them no matter what (and slip them Jil Sander dress shirts every now and then.)They don't have housemates who have Thai cuisine prepared and ready to eat when they arrive home. They don't have comfortable beds to sleep in at night.

6,450,000,000.

When I think about it I kinda did win the lottery.

About 33 years ago

EVERYTHING IS NOT REAL - Christopher

I look around me and see all the things that truly say I have won the lottery.

For Pierre, Brian, Lawrence, Bill, Don, Andrew and Jim and the others - remembered still.

December 1 - 1420: Henry V of England enters Paris.