December 1, 2015
It’s a small thing.
But a Big Thing to some.
Yesterday was World AIDS Day.
The 28th One.
MAYOR DE BLASIO announced the expansion of HASA (HIV/AIDS SERVICES Administration) to include Both People with AIDS as well as those who are HIV Positive — HASA For All.
DE BLASIO announced an additional $23 Million per year for HIV Prevention and Health Care, while GOVERNOR CUOMO committed an additional $200 Million, statewide. (Some 80% of New York State’s AIDS Cases are in New York City.)
I have worked with the LGBTQ Shelter Kids at my Church for many years.
SYLVIA’s PLACE, as it is called, named after SYLVIA RIVERA, one of the Heroes of StoneWall whom I knew, is one of only three Shelters in New York City where Homeless LGBTQ Kids can be Safe.
I run the ACCESS FORUM FOR ACTORS every week, donating my Teaching Services to raise money to support that Shelter and those Kids. They have been so very Much Miracles in my Life.
One of the Many Things they have taught me is that HASA has been only available to people with AIDS. Being just HIV Positive was not enough to get you Help in New York City. So, while MIKE BLOOMBERG and Former-City Council Member CHRISTINE QUINN actively opposed HASA For All since the Legislation was first introduced in 2007, many of these Kids were running out and desperately trying to contract AIDS; they were infecting themselves so that the realm of services that would open to them would increase, since So Little Help was Available, and as a Homeless Kid in New York, your Options are Limited. They were killing themselves so that they could survive just a little longer.
…Another Aspect of the BLOOMBERG Legacy.
…Another Far Reaching tentacle of the ignominious ED KOCH’s Shameful Legacy of the AIDS Crisis in New York.
Thank You, MAYOR DE BLASIO!
Thank You GOVERNOR CUOMO!
It’s a small thing.
But a Big Thing to me.
# # #
Live The Questions Now 
Rose Ann Sausto Harrigan
/ December 3, 2015You do good work my friend. You never cease to amaze me with your capacity to love others. It is indeed sad that there was little done to assist those who had fallen ill in the early days when the AIDS crisis erupted in NYC and that for decades later, despite the advances in science and medicine to combat the disease, it was impossible for certain affected persons to receive help. Unfortunately, governmental politics plays to the popular sentiment of the time, and it is the passing of time that determines the value of a legacy. Look how far we have come and focus on where we are going, it is the only way to overcome the anger. Peace to you.
Erika Alvarez
/ December 4, 2015Thanks for sharing this info, Arnold. I did not know. And once again, thanks for all you do to make this world a better place. You are brave, bold and beautiful! I will miss you at this weekendâs reunions. Wherever you are, I hope you are well and happily busy!
Love,
Erika
XXOO