| Diane M. Rosenthal
|
Born: Forest
Hills, Queens
Current residence: Manhattan
Volunteer: since 1992
"Helping others makes me feel good; and I've learned
that what I give out in life I get back." |
Why did you choose GMHC?
It was soon after I got my HIV diagnosis, and I wanted to volunteer
on the Hotline to have access to the best, current information.
Also, I was working days, and the Hotline gave me the opportunity
to volunteer nights and weekends. It was an opportunity to learn
about and to be open about living with HIV. My parents volunteered
at the temple as I was growing up; I guess I was raised to be a
caretaker.
What volunteer roles have you had?
In addition to volunteering on the Hotline and the A-Team,
I've been a speaker with Community Education. Through that program,
I've also helped out in the Development
Department, talking with prospective donors and with Friends
for Life at Toast at Twilight.
Tell us about a significant moment from your volunteer
experience.
Having students tell me, after a speaking engagement, 'now the
epidemic seems real,' means a lot to me. I like to think I've helped
someone think about their behavior and maybe make more educated
decisions.
One time, during one of my presentations, a student felt safe enough
to disclose his own HIV status in front of his classmates. His peers
responded really well, and I was proud that I'd created the space
where they could all learn and grow from that.
What would you like readers to know about you outside
of your volunteering?
I've gone back to school; I want to become a reading teacher.
I'd love to be able to help folks, especially kids, who have reading
disorders. My little club-foot puppy, Brandy, is a big part of my
life now. She's really helping me through this rough period after
my father's death.
What has kept you going as a volunteer?
DR: I've taken breaks a couple of times over the
10 years. Mostly I keep going for selfish reasons: Helping others
makes me feel good; and I've learned that what I give out in life
I get back. Besides, I've made some really good friends here. They
made me an honorary gay man because I know all the Broadway songs!
What impact would you like this profile to have on readers?
As with my speaking engagements, I hope my participation helps
people know that the epidemic has faces. Also, how important volunteering
is to society.
What else would you like to share with our readers?
Several times, I've invited friends to come along with me on speaking
engagements; I wanted them to see what I do. Once, I asked my father
if he'd like to come along. I had to give him extra preparation
before the event. After all, he was going to hear 'his little girl'
talking about her sex life! It was for a class of graduate students
in social work, and one of the students asked my father if my infection
had changed his thoughts or feelings about me. In all innocence,
he looked at the questioner and asked, 'Why would it make a difference?
She's still my daughter.' I kissed him right then, and told the
group, 'I love this man.' I've always known he loves me. He asked
his clients and friends to sponsor me for AIDS Walk. He even accompanied
me on the Walk a few times and survived meeting (and being kissed
by) his first drag queen!
Despite a few frustrations I've experienced over the years as a
client, I think GMHC is a great organization. Nobody else provides
prevention and treatment education the way GMHC does — without
preaching, just making information available so people can make
smarter decisions for themselves.
December 4, 2002
© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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