aids walk

last year i did my first aids walk nyc. i thought the boy i was dating at the time was going to do it with me, but something came up and he couldn’t – he met me at the finish line.

i arrived in central park right on time – that is about 15 minutes after the first groups of walkers were sent off to walk, got through registration quickly, and set off to walk. i didn’t realize there would be SO many people. i really didn’t mind the people as much as the fact that i was boxed in. i do not like to be boxed it or blocked in any way. it is a constant issue for me on the streets of nyc.

but since i was alone i was able to weave in and out of the herd fairly easily. i brought along my md player with my favorite mixes and just enjoyed my the walk. as soon as we got out on the street it was pretty open – much more space. the sun hitting us, the music in my ears. the boys all around. it was all so nice except the occasional person making disparaging comments about me doing the aids walk in flip flops. i heard them because i left my music low enough so i could hear people around me – i hoped that i’d run into someone i knew. i didn’t.

i mean who talks shit about someone who is doing something for a good cause. i couldn’t believe it. and i didn’t have any problems walking the whole thing in flip flops. this year i hope at least one of my friends will be out there walking with me. but whatever happens i’ll be in flip flops again. and if i hear one comment (not from a friend) about my foot wear – bitches better watch out.

* hot tub ted just sent me the story about the gay bashing in st. maarten. terrible. who are these people who'd go up and attack a 6'7" man. one of my friends from tobago told me about how he's seen many times, locals and tourists stoned because they were gay. he told me not to go to tobago. i haven't gone.