OREGO N'S LGBTO N EW S M A G A ZIN E
i
aidswalk-
Jim Kennedy:
A grateful gait
“ I remember it was a new thing
When Jim Kennedy participated in
his first AIDS walk in the late 1980s,
awareness of the disease was still mini
mal and often skewed. President Ronald
Reagan had recently made his first speech
about AIDS (1987) and the U.S. Depart
ment of Justice had just ruled people
with HIV could not be discriminated
against (1988).
“It was at a time when a couple of my
friends were actually battling AIDS and
it was my way of trying to help,” the 46-
year-old hair stylist and actor recalls. “I
remember it was a new thing to talk
about AIDS/HIV and I felt a little con
spicuous asking businesses to display
posters in their windows to advertise and
get people to join the walk. But I was
proud to help.”
But Kennedy wasn’t just helping oth
ers through his awareness and fundrais
ing efforts, he was building a framework
for his own future. When his very first
HIV test in 1996 came back positive,
Kennedy immediately turned to Cascade
AIDS Project for referrals and
encouragement.
“I had insurance and found a good
to talk about AIDS/HIV and I felt a
little conspicuous asking busi
nesses to display posters in their
windows to advertise and get
people to join the walk. But I was
AIDS Walk 2011
Schedule of Events
proud to help.”
SATURDAY. O CTO BER 2
-JIM KENNEDY
doctor and I never ended up using any
CAP services because, thankfully, I was
and am blessed with a support system,”
Kennedy says. “But what if I hadn’t? Just
knowing that CAP was there took a huge
burden of panic from me.”
Kennedy credits CAP for reassuring
him he is not alone. That awareness re
minds him of both the services available
to him and those living with HI V/AIDS
who need assistance.
“I am in the minority of those out
there living with this challenge,” Kenne
dy says. “I know there are those who have
no insurance, no support from families or
loved ones, and perhaps even no homes
or jobs. I can’t imagine what my life could
have been like without those things.”
Fortunately, he isn’t alone in his desire
to help—a fact that inspires hope.
“[The] solidarity is very inspiring,”
Kennedy says. “It makes a wonderful di
version from some of the less pleasant
aspects of our current culture, and affirms
to me that people are compassionate and
generous in our city.” JW
9 a.m.: AIDS Walk Portland opens and registration,
entertainment and activities—including music, a
kids corner, team photos, complimentary breakfast
and more—begin.
10:30 a.m.: Official welcome and guest speakers take
the stage.
11 a.m.: The 2.5-mile AIDS Walk through downtown,
Old Town and the Pearl District begins.
11:15 a.m.: Music and other entertainment continue at
Pioneer Square.
12:30 p.m.: Closing ceremony.
1 p.m. AIDS Walk Portland closes.
2-7 p.m.: After party at Cuda Beach Club, NW Second
and Couch.
— E rin R ook
Visit aidswalkportland.org
for more information.
►
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