| Lawrence Anthony Jenkins
|
Born: Columbus, Ohio
Current residence: Harlem, Manhattan
Client: since March 2002
"Now, I look toward a healthy future." |
What was it like when you were first diagnosed?
I was diagnosed on June 6, 1990, and it was already in the advanced
stages, because I didn't know about it. My blood test came back
positive. And I was numb, because to me, that was instant death.
I asked the doctor who gave me the results, 'How long do I have
to live?' And he said, 'Four years, at the most; it will be slow
and gradual. We do have AZT, and that seems to be working somewhat.'
Afterwards, I got in my brand new car, and I drove to the airport.
I went down to the end of the runway, where the planes take off,
to scream where nobody would hear me. I did that for about a month.
I was devastated. I thought my life was over. All I thought about
was my life, my future, and how I was going to tell my children
that their father was going to die.
How has your outlook changed since then?
I've got a new attitude. I don't think about death anymore. As
each year goes by, and I see myself healthy, I'm more certain that
I am going to be just fine. I have been deathly sick in the process,
but I kept through, and it's been three years since I was really
sick. Now, I look toward a healthy future.
Was there a long time between when you were diagnosed and
when you sought services?
I didn't move to New York until 1992. But when I lived in Ohio,
I immediately contacted an organization called the Columbus AIDS
Task Force. I've been involved with AIDS organizations from the
beginning, because of the simple fact that I had a need to become
an activist.
Why did you feel the need to become an activist?
I was angry. I was angry because of the way some people felt about
homosexuals. I also knew two very sick people, and one of them died
in my arms. The rejection they faced from their families and the
way they were treated made me angry. So I went on a campaign to
speak against discrimination, and to make people aware of the ramifications
of AIDS.
What kind of services have you used at GMHC?
I love the Meals
program. I come Monday through Thursday for lunch and on Friday
for dinner. It is good food, good fellowship, and there's a piano;
I'm a singer and I get a chance to entertain. Through the Theatre
Desk, I've gotten tickets to some plays that were absolutely
outstanding. I'm currently using Legal
Services for two cases that an attorney is working on. If I
was out on my own, or at another organization that didn't have the
means, I would probably just get a referral instead of having an
attorney right here to help.
What do you do in your spare time?
I sing in the choir and I'm working on establishing a male choir.
I want to get out of the choir and be a leader. I also love to design
clothes; I'm a good fashion and costume designer. I like to go to
the movies, and I especially like to go to parks. And I love to
ride on the subway.
What else would you like our readers to know?
GMHC is the best organization imaginable that provides services
that will empower clients. After a year, I said, 'where have I been
all this time?'
June 23, 2003
© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
home 
double k design 
