Last June I wrote about some photographic opportunities that were about to come my way and how I was looking forward to them. The truth is that since then photography has been taking up a lot of my time. 

I participated in the art show I mentioned but no sales or inquiries came from it. I did get a paying assignment though. A company hired me to submit photos for their new website, some that would rotate at the top of the webpage. From that job I found out about a workshop called "'Good Stories Need Great Photography" facilitated by a husband and wife, an editor and photographer from National Geographic. (The editor was responsible for the Titanic issue last April.) The purpose of the workshop was to link photographers with non-profits to show how a collection of photos can be put together in a video format that can speak better than a page of written words. I especially liked the message I got from it about doing unpaid work: "the photographer is not the person who doesn't get paid." 

Another project I was involved in last June was at my local ASO (AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County). We were trying to find graffiti that contained homophobic messages. I had a two year head start on others as I had been taking photos of graffiti around town for about two and a half years. It was enlightening and encouraging that we failed to find as much homophobic graffiti as we thought we might. We ended up photographing the positive messages as well which produced a broader range of material. On November 22nd we had the wrap-up meeting where the slideshow and the resulting book were unveiled. My work was on the covers. Most of the shots from the book can be found on flickr.com here.

I have made it known to my ASO that I will take pictures at all events and activities as my donation to the agency. 

World AIDS Day activities constituted a busy time for me. An eatery/bakery here in Guelph made Red Ribbon Cookies that we handed out around the city to promote HIV awareness. I was able to take pictures on three of those occasions. Some of them may find their way into our local newspaper as its is doing a story about World AIDS Day and were interested in using our photos. 

The other ASO I am associated with, ACCKWA (AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area) had an Art Show and Auction as part of their World AIDS Day Gala, where some of my photos were shown. I also donated some photos to their WAD wrap-up dance and silent auction to be held on the 8th of December. 

I was finally able to show my friend who has shown his work years ago some of what I was doing. He hated much of my nature shots and graffiti, but I have some that are a bit more abstract which he liked. He told me I need to put together a collection, have them professionally framed and that I need to join a gallery to show them. The problem I'm having with doing it is the cost. It isn't a cheap venture, so it will take time because it has to be done right. 

I don't think I'm going to get filthy rich any time soon but I am having fun – and it keeps me busy. I know what I need to do to find work, how to approach non-profits and work with them to create something that illustrates what they do to help people. I must remember that they do sometimes have budgets for this kind of thing. I would never want to drain them but I'm sure I could work with them to make it affordable for them. 

I have started to put together a portfolio and a resume. It surprised me how much work is recorded there, most volunteer but that can work to my advantage. I have two knowledgeable people willing to help me along too -  my friend Richard and my PositiveLite.com editor, Bob Leahy. Both have many years between them in the art world. Bob, I discovered, judges several photography contests each year, I have been asking him for feedback and he has been brutally honest and I appreciate it. He has suggested that I enter some photography contests and pit my work against others, to get better feedback. So if anyone hears of any, let me know! 

Accompanying this post are some of the pictures I contributed to the book, “Challenging Homophobia & Building Resilience Through Graffiti Photography”. The one that says “Screw Gender, Go Love” became the cover for the book. 

I’m quite certain that everyone agrees that we live in a very sexual world, and no matter your beliefs or your grass roots, we’re all at risk of the unknowns.  This next week I will be doing two presentations in front of an audience of students where it’s been difficult to give out condoms, and it’s not the students or the teachers that are at fault.  I’m downright nervous as there is a part of me that is still shameful of my own past.  I’m not in denial when it comes to having had lack of wisdom, as I felt dispensable with respect to my goals and dreams. 

Update November 15. Today shed new light on why I continue to share my story publicly, as I do at times get a little overwhelmed with asking myself why? Does the average person really care that I obviously made unwise decisions at some point in my life?  I’m aware of them now of course, and I’ve never laid blame on anyone at anytime, nor do I blame lack of education in my grade school years, as again I state, HIV did not exist at that time so there was no need for it to be part of the curriculum. 

Two of the questions I was asked by students.....

“Not to be disrespectful”  this young gentleman says “but why did you survive when you were so sick in the hospital in 2007. Weren’t people supposed to die when they were that sick?”

My response:  “Yes there was a time when people were dying fast and furious because of a lack of education, lack of medications and a lack of HIV/AIDS specialists.  There was a day when this was considered to be a plague, and it also appeared to be only affecting the gay community.  I still get overwhelmed with how I personally managed to see my way through all of this.” 

Another question: “Is there a way to make people get tested for their own protection, as well as, the protection of others?  For instance, when one gets their age of majority card.”

My response:  “This is a wonderful suggestion and I totally agree, providing it can respect the confidentiality and rights of everyone. All I can suggest is to have a petition signed by students and then taken to your local MP for consideration to be brought forth for further discussion.”

The presentations began with a 101 discussion about HIV/AIDS to help achieve a better understanding, followed by another person’s story besides my own.  This other person’s name is also John, a heterosexual man who is a former hockey player.  John’s health did not allow him to join us but sent in a CD to share his story.  This gentleman’s story captured even myself, and I can’t even imagine where he finds the strength to share it over and over.  John also confesses to having made unwise choices that led him down a path of his own.  Eventually he meets up with another person living with HIV/AIDS, and she is certainly the one for him.  They met through their local AIDS Service Organization, and she always told him every night on going to bed, “that was the most beautiful day of my life and I love you”.  She once again said this for the last time and never woke up the next morning…………this was to be the day that they got married.

If there is anything I can do to help comfort this man, it is to help in sharing even a tidbit of his story to help deliver the message to others.

*****

Well, time is marching on as we get closer to yet another year having come and gone.  My agency ACCKWA’s 25th anniversary has already been filled with many memorable moments, and this year’s WORLD AIDS DAY CANDLELIGHT VIGIL on Dec 1 is shaping up to be one of a kind.  AIDS Awareness Week has many events scheduled by local businesses and involvement by people living with HIV/AIDS.  One of my personal favorites is a display of visual being held at Kitchener City Hall, which focuses on items that ground people in times of sorrow or hardship.  Please be sure to check out ACCKWA’s webpage for their calendar of events, and/or check out our World AIDS Day events at the foot of this post.  

*****

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge ACCKWA’s outgoing Executive Director Colby Marcellus.  Colby came into ACCKWA’s circle four years ago undoubtedly with a vision that no other could see.  His patience, devotion, charisma, knowledge and expertise have forged ACCKWA’s 25 years of service into an organization of strength and courage.  I have experienced incredible words of wisdom and support he offers to each and every one of us, whether staff, clients or volunteers.  Colby has his own dreams that have brought him to the decision of unfortunately having to step down as Executive Director.  I know that my words are echoed by many when I say Colby will be sorely missed.  I’ve had opportunities to hear words spoken bymembers of the Board of Directors for ACCKWA, and seen the tears that come forth with respect to his vision and wisdom.  Colby, like each of, us has had his share of learning along the way, and he is a fine example of ensuring change within himself that ripples out to those who come into contact with him.

Four years ago we were saying goodbye to Tina Schofield as Executive Director, and the list goes on and on;  however, each and every one of them shared their own kind of expertise.  So I’d simply like to say to Colby, all the best with your future endeavours and thank you for the time you shared with us

*****

This month in addition to my having turned 50 years old, a dear friend convinced me to sponsor a child through PLAN Canada.  His name is Sancum Cassama from Guinea Bissau.  Sancum was born in Sept, 2001. His father is a peasant farmer, his mother is a housewife, and he has two brothers born in 1985 and 1995.  Sancum attends primary school, and takes less than 30 minutes to reach school.  His family obtains water all year round from a borehole with an electric pump, less than 1km away.  The family also uses a private latrine.  The nearest health facility is about two hours away.  And according to the family, Sancum has been healthy and not suffered from any serious illness.  My friend that convinced me to do this also sponsor’s a child.  Her strategy for paying for this privilege is making her first cup of coffee at home every day, rather than going to a café somewhere and buying one.  Unless you’re homeless, this makes complete sense to me, and it’s what makes the world go around - love, support, compassion.

*****

Just a few weeks ago I was hired on part-time by ACCKWA to help out with their Practical Support Program.  Having been a client and volunteer now for 15 years, I hope I’ll be able to provide additional strengths to this position.

I just returned from the annual Opening Doors Conference held in Guelph this year, and I’m happy to say I felt it was the best one yet.  They really focused on the needs of and support for people living with HIV, and began this year with a one-day retreat for us to pamper ourselves, you might say.

*****

World AIDS Day Events

Saturday, December 1- World AIDS Day

 Old Navy Super Saturday World AIDS Day Event

 Check out this fundraiser for ACCKWA at 4 locations, 9am-6pm:

 70 Pinebush Rd, Cambridge (Cambridge)

Sunrise Shopping Centre (Kitchener)

 Conestoga Mall (Waterloo)

 Stone Road Mall (Guelph) 

Art Gallery Reception

 Support this ACCKWA  fundraiser which includes a silent auction and an evening of art & music

 Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery

 25 Caroline St. N, Waterloo

 6-8pm

 $30 

ACCKWA’s Annual Candlelight Vigil

 Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery

 25 Caroline St. N, Waterloo

 8pm 

Ecumenical AIDS Memorial Service

 Reception to follow

 Trinity Anglican Church

 12 Blair Rd, Cambridge

 7:30pm

Good Afternoon Everyone.    

My name is John Henry Rombough-Davie, I’m formerly from London, Ontario  where I was adopted as an infant in November, 1962.  My adoptive parents raised me as one of their own of course, and never judged me along the way.

The reasons why I became a story teller……………….I was searching for ways to continue my everyday existence.  I’d been living a life of glory, you might say, with respect to my career as a professional ballet dancer, having trained for 10 years and toured the country extensively for 7 years dancing lead roles with four different companies.  This became my ultimate dream in life since the age of 10, and I’ve never looked back for having made this decision.  I suppose you can all imagine the struggles I had throughout my earlier years because of having made this choice, which begged the assumption that I must be gay.  Let me simply say that during those years I was the only male dancer in my dance school which made me stand out, coming from a small town. 

In March 1993, I was overwhelmed with shame when my former family physician in London informed me he could no longer treat me as his patient, upon my HIV diagnosis, since he was only a general practitioner.  Needing a change in my life, I moved to Kitchener in 1995 and eventually hooked up with ACCKWA, the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area, with whom I have been a client and volunteer with since 1997.

 ACCKWA’s Speaker’s Bureau is an essential way for people living with HIV/AIDS to tell their stories to the general public to affect behavior change.  In 2010 a theatrical production of Rent was done in Waterloo Region.  I was asked to share my story with the young performers, and it was so inspiring  for them to be performing that evening, having just had face to face contact with someone who is living with HIV/AIDS.

 Last year I was invited to speak at Eastwood Collegiate in front of an audience of 450 students, and yes I was scared.  It was not until I arrived through the front doors that I realized it was an ARTS School.  A ton of bricks was lifted off my shoulders at that moment, as I was proud to be walking into a school which was in line with what inspired my own former inspirations in life.  A moment I’ll never forget is having just been introduced and receiving a round of applause before I even spoke!  Again, the students were seeing the face to the virus, rather than just reading or hearing stories about it, which may or may not have been reliable sources.  After I spoke, a young gentleman came up to me in tears, and indicated his uncle is HIV-positive, and he now felt better informed to have open conversations with him regarding his own diagnosis.

In 2007 I was stricken with a parasitic infection that nearly killed me.  This progressively took over my body to the point where I was eventually hospitalized, weighing only 90 lbs.  I spent two months in Freeport Hospital where I had to learn to speak, walk and write again, as I was partially paralyzed as a result of the parasite.  I believe my years of training contributed to my recovery, as did my will to live.  But nothing compares to the support I received from family, friends and the staff of ACCKWA which has led me to where I am now.

My involvement with ACCKWA has helped me to feel connected with myself again, I also connect with others a lot more easily.  I feel empowered knowing I’m helping others to cope with day to day living, and this also helps me to not feel so disconnected and isolated.  It has provided me with experiences to become a better person in the community, and not to feel ashamed of myself when I decide to educate about HIV/AIDS.  I also recognize the importance of giving back to an agency that is reaching out to the community for the good of others.

 Just a couple of months ago I received my 15-year Ontario Volunteer Service Award,; as well  I was selected to receive the Gretchen Sangster Education Award from ACCKWA.  Just this past month, I was invited back to the Volunteer Action Centre to elaborate more on my story of living with HIV to help educate other potential volunteers on the importance of volunteering in our community. 

In 2011, I began blogging for an HIV online magazine (PositiveLite.com) and the first few months I blogged about my experiences of having been cast in the Laramie Project, based on the Matthew Sheppard story, performed at SIZZLE in Cambridge, Onatrio back in April.   The roles I played were Matthew’s father, the retired police officer who was on the case, as well as, the retired barofwner of the establishment where Matthew was picked up by his killers.  This performance was intended to bring about awareness of bullying amongst youth.  This whole experience again hit home for me, with regards to the bullying I had to contend with while growing up, with respect to some of the choices I made for myself. 

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of ACCKWA, and I’m so proud to have been a part of this agency for the past 15 years.  I honestly don’t have any clue where my life would be today, had ACCKWA not been here for me.  I’m proud to say that the gay men’s sexal health worker for ACCKWA and myself gathered $2,200 in donations last year and raised $1,100 from them at the 1st annual Wrap It Up party, following the World AIDS Day candlelight vigil, which we hope to double this year.  ACCKWA now has their own memorial plaque; as well the first stages of our own AIDS memorial quilt are being completed, to be unveiled Dec 1st, 2012.   This past year I’ve joined the TTOA (Turning Toward One Another) Working Group, and this group helps encourage people living with HIV/AIDS and staff of ACCKWA and its Board of Directors to ‘turn to one another’, as a way to better communicate.

 Thank you for taking the time to commemorate this special day of both remembering and honoring with all of us.  Please feel free to pull me aside this afternoon to answer any of your questions.   Thank you

Yesterday afternoon was a first for me! Something I dreaded and seemed always to be sick for in school. PUBLIC SPEAKING. 

Yesterday; was  the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA)’s  25th anniversary Open House and I wanted  - NO -  HAD to do this.

I have been involved for close to 20 years and still there is much stigma or lack of knowledge or in some cases simply not caring because “Ït will never affect me ”.

I was in a room of 50 or so people, from local politicians, co-volunteers, staff and some clients. This is what I wrote and spoke, though not eloquently and often with a quivering voice and damp eyes. (I am also now going to put something together for World AIDS Day Dec 1 2012 at Kitchener City Hall’s Rotunda Gallery.)

*****************

Welcome! Most likely I have been given this time slot of 3:30 because Lyn most likely knows I will go on and on and on.

I am standing here today, doing something I have never done before. Something I had never fathomed of doing. Public speaking.

It would never happen to me. That was the mindset of so many people when HIV and AIDS reared its head. Luckilly with ACCKWA and other groups, people are learning and sharing that knowledge with others as well as learning compassion and care.

It was 1990 when I learned a family member had tested positive for HIV. There were many tears shed by all involved and our thoughts filled with despair and virtually no hope.

HIV and AIDS does involve us all. We either know someone who is infected or affected by HIV or AIDS.

It was about that time I heard of ACCKWA and I knew I had to get involved. At the time ACCKWA was in part of a nondescript  house on Duke Street, I believe. It had very little signage, maybe due to client privacy or “shame” in letting others know. I was at the time “like a fly on the wall”, just watching and learning. I volunteered at a distance due to being shy and anxious around others. I wrote letters to officials, articles to magazines, and poems and I let everyone I knew know about ACCKWA,HIV and AIDS.

When my son, now 21, took part alongside me with ACCKWA’s live auction “Chairs for Charity” at the Rotunda Gallery, he shifted in his seat ;stared me down and said “Daddy ! I know something worser than AIDS “

“You do ? What’s that ?” I asked

“I call it afraid. People are afraid of giving hugs or talking to people with AIDS”

He was just 3 at the time and had more compassion and knowledge than most grown-ups at the time.

It was then and there that I wanted to be more involved. Wherever and however I could. Writing, sending letters, articles, taking part in discussion groups, writing poetry for some infected with HIV and most recently soliciting donations for the online auction.

I remember when telling people I volunteer with ACCKWA and some would respond with “I didn’t know you were gay!“ or “You have AIDS !! OMG!“  That was one more reason I wanted to be part of the ACCKWA family. Fight the stigma!

I also remember when AIDS for a while was referred to as GRID- Gay Related Infectious Disease and  - excuse my language - when people would say AIDS was the acronym for Another Infected Dick Sucker!

My family member was on a cocktail of four or more pills daily; now for the past 17 years he is on just two.

Because of ACCKWA and safer sex education programs and materials there are less funerals to attend. I remember 20-plus years ago going to or hearing about three or more funerals in a week.

Having the knowledge is good but having the knowledge and sharing it is much more beneficial.

ACCKWA has given me so much knowledge, new and amazing friends and a voice. A voice that will always be singing the praises of ACCKWA and the great works they do.

In 25 years ACCKWA has accomplished so much and continues to do so many amazing things. In this room are so many amazing people.People who care and have compassion.

Care and compassion are why ACCKWA is making great strides in fighting HIV and AIDS .

There at present 43million cases of HIV worldwide. To ACCKWA each of these is not merely a statistic, a number. Each client has a name, a face and a personality. Each of these clients I am sure has great stories as well about ACCKWA

Finally I would like to say this: Embrace the cause because you care ! Love lives within our hearts and that love is meant to share.

Joe Lethbridge

Please check out my personal ACCKWA ONLINE AUCTION PAGE: auction goes live on ebay.ca and .com November 1st thru the 9th. 

Last day to donate is October 15th. As a personal thank you for your donation I will thank you on this (Facebook) page as well as post any pertinent links and or logos .

I’ve been asked once again to partake in another speak with the VOLUNTEER ACTION CENTRE  (VAC) in Kitchener, with a message that read as follows:

John, I was hoping to ask you to share your volunteer story once more; for the United Way's Day of Caring on September 19, the Volunteer Action Centre is working with a Day of Caring team to help develop their own volunteer stories and public speaking skills; it's been truly inspiring to see how the interview project you were a part of through VAC has inspired others, and we'd like to continue the ripple effect!

As you have experience through AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA)'s Speaker's Bureau, I was hoping you might be available during the morning that day to talk about your journey towards becoming a storyteller to help inspire the team, and then, at the end of the session, sharing your own volunteer story.

The reason for today's title is again to emphasize on a statement I made in one of my previous blogs..............”If you told me I would someday be speaking publicly about my HIV status, I would have had to laugh through the tears.”  I find these public speaks extremely fulfilling and empowering, as we all have a story to tell and it encourages us all to hear other people speak of their own life battles and accomplishments.

When it comes to sharing our values as human-beings, I feel there should be no boundaries to what we’re capable of doing.  As I previously mentioned this is ACCKWA’s 25th anniversary.  The AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area has been my 2nd family since 1997, and just a few weeks ago I was nominated for the Gretchen Sangster Award for Education.  I strongly feel that this world would be a better place sometimes if everyone simply took the time to volunteer.  You get back what you give in life, and from my own life experiences I have had immeasurable times of happiness and fulfillment from my volunteer work.

The agency continues to grow from its own strengths and need for services.  The office is currently in a shambles due to construction as the kitchen has been made smaller to accommodate yet another office and addition to ACCKWA’s family of staff.  I certainly hope to do my part to ensure ongoing success in their support for clients.  I get so stumped for things to talk about at times, life can be so overwhelming.  I have to go in for repeat bowel surgery next month and have a biopsy to check for cancer.  I’m awaiting my results to see whether I have a stomach hernia.  Today I go to be fitted for orthodics for a bone spur on my one heel, and I’m hoping it will assist with the neuropathy in both feet also.  We all have our problems I know, and talking about it helps somewhat, I suppose.

I’m very excited to be going to camp this next week which is organized through the agency.  Last year was my first time attending and I’m ecstatic to be returning this year.  It’s a week away for people living with HIV to just do nothing if they want, or participate in activities throughout the week.  I’m so proud of what the agency is doing for clients, keeping sources of activities available to participate at one’s own level.  I have to say this is not just an ASO (AIDS Service Organization).  It’s a place to feel connected with others and challenge yourself to become the person you once were or the person you want to become.