David Keesey:  

After leaving Sunset I attended Portland Community College in 1972 for a year. Then I was off to U of O in 1973 to 74 where I was fortunate enough to work and meet Randy Shilts, this outspoken lean guy with stringy red hair. Randy later went on to write for the San Francisco Chronicle as well as authored three books, The Band Played On, Mayor of Castro Street, The Life and Times of Harvey Milk and one other. It was in a small furnance room at U of O where Randy along with a small group of us helped to create the first Gay Student Union on campus. What an exciting time! My move from Portland, OR to Hollywood began in April of 1976! I've called Los Angeles home now for over 35 years which I've grown to love despite the various negative aspects associated with it. You either Love it or Hate it! I still enjoy my yearly visits to the Portland area where a few family members still reside along with close friends and yes, the memories of where it all started for me. Re-locating to Los Angeles has been one of the most rewarding, memorable and life-altering experiences for me, more than anyone could ever imagine. Special thanks to the non-profit world. The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Research (EGPAF), and Starlight Childrens Foundation. It was through the heart-wrenching work of these organizations that I was given the chance to rub elbows with some of Hollywoods most fascinating people from the world of stage, screen, and music along with making a difference in the world. It was quite the eye opener. I began in this field in 1991 shortly after my confirmation from my doctor that I had tested positive for the AIDS virus. I thought my life had ebbed then would soon become a statistic in the books like so many of my friends before me. A sad realization of the devasting disease is loosing over 100 friends and a long time partner of 10 years. After dealing with my diagnosis I decided that I had to change how my life was going, no more dealing with peoples attitude with no glory or thanks. I needed to make a difference in peoples lives along with my own. Thanks to a friends lead I applied as a Grants Assistant at amfAR. I interviewed and was hired that same week. My life changed forever! Bernie thank you for allowing me the opportunity to touch so many beautiful lives during those years as well as today! Working in that field brought the best and worst in people. We had hate mail at amfAR where they mentioned "I hope you all die from AIDS" You all deserve death, and on and on. Reading it only confirmed how much there was a need for education and kindred spirits. During the worst of the AIDS epidemic many of us were loosing as many as 5 friends per week. We would take shifts on visiting them in the...Expand for more