WORLD AIDS DAY-December 1, 2011

Today is December 1, World AIDS Day. A day to remember all our friends, family members and loved ones who had died from this horrible disease . I also always think of Gia Carangi,
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gia_Carangi) a one of a kind supermodel, lesbian and aspiring photographer who also, was one of the very first reported women who died of AIDS. Like her, most of my friends suffered and died without all the treatments available today. It is always easier to post a photo of an unknown one that a loved one. Today , I remember you all with ♥

December 1, World AIDS Day

Gia Carangi, 1960-1986-Supermodel, Lesbian and one of the first women reported dead from AIDS

December 1 is always a day to remember all the ones lost to the AIDS epidemic. It is not over so, take a minute today to think about all the lives lost and how lucky you are to be healthy and alive. Friends, lovers, spouses, fathers, mothers and yes children had succumbed to this horrible disease. AIDS right now is the number one cause of death of Women Worldwide. I lost some dear friends, one of my best teachers and childhood girlfriend among many. It is also considered a Day Without Art due to the fact that the Art Community was highly affected by it. Be safe, healthy and find Real Love in the process.

December 1st- World AIDS Day

Today is a day to remember all the friends, acquaintances and even family members that are no longer around due this tragic disease known as AIDS.

 Over the years, I had lost a significant amount of friends that can never be replaced.

 Innocent people that had no idea what the disease really was until in most cases was too late to prevent.

 I still have a few friends that to this day continue to battle this disease and that is why it is so important to continue helping organizations like ACRIA (AIDS Community Research Initiative of America), GMHC ( Gay Men Health Crisis ), AMFAR ( The Foundation for AIDS Research) and Visual AIDS 

Most of these organizations have Art auctions benefits and print programs that in collaboration with emerging and established artists create limited editions available  for sale, all proceeds going to benefit research  and prevention programs. It is a win-win when you can purchase and invest on art and the money helps the AIDS organization.

The Housing Works is committed to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness. They believe that all people have the right to a rich and empowering life.I had been shopping here for over 10 years.The is housing works Thrift Shops locations throughout the city and the clothes , furniture and even artwork can be quite fierce. I remembered once bidding in an auction for a enormous Roy Lichtenstein lithograph against a huge British art dealer. I lost too!

During the month of December, I will be curating a Visual AIDS online exhibit and hope to do my best in memory of my lost but, still loved and remembered friends.

 The photo above is from Gia Carangi (1960-1986) , one of the first Supermodels and also one of the first women and lesbian in America to die from AIDS. To me she represents the face of the ongoing tragedy of this disease. Take a minute of your busy day today to remember all those beautiful souls like Gia, that are no longer around.

Be Safe!

http://giacarangi.org/nevergetsold.html