Letters to the Editor

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Thanks for your great review of Stories From the War on Homosexuality [“DVD/VHS,” December 2003]. I really appreciate the care that Mr. [Troy] Carrington took in writing the piece.

Arthur Dong

Los Angeles, California

Dong is the producer/director of the three-DVD box set reviewed in the December issue, which includes his documentaries Coming Out Under Fire, Family Fundamentals, and Licensed to Kill.

POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

I can’t begin to express in words how much the Positive Art Workshop [“Share the Wealth,” December 2003] meant to me during a time in my life when I had little hope or direction. I had been laid off from what I thought was the best job of my life (it turned out to be a nightmare). I was out of money. COBRA insurance was sucking me dry, but I had to keep it so I could afford the drugs I need to survive. There were absolutely no jobs on the horizon.

After my first class with Ryan Fugate something changed. I think it might have been that I suddenly felt better about myself and, most importantly, I enjoyed my artwork. Even though I have been a professional artist for many years, his class renewed a fire in me that has not stopped yet. I am proud to say that I am starting a great new job on January 2, 2004. My partner and I had a show of our ceramic work on November 2 that was a huge success. I sincerely believe that the attitude change I experienced after Ryan’s class is responsible for all of my good fortune.

For people living with HIV/AIDS, an experience like this can help us though times that otherwise would be depressing and stressful leading to a lower quality of life and declining health. Please keep up this great work if you can. After I am financially back on my feet, I want to help. I would like to see the program expanded so even PWAs who have jobs or school could attend. I am sure it would enrich their lives. Let me know how I can help.

Jim Jennings

Houston

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Eric A.T. Dieckman co-wrote a short musical film, Fill Up the Boot, that received awards for best director, best soundtrack, and best screenplay in the October 10–14 Countdown Cinema competition, which spurs filmmakers to produce movies in two days and three nights.

If you have any comments about this article, please email them to letters@outsmartmagazine.com.