InsideOut at City Hall

by Annise D. Parker

VOICES FROM THE GRAVE

Two late activists would despair at the HIV/AIDS resurgence

Earlier this month I was horrified, but not surprised, to read that new HIV cases among gay and bisexual men jumped for the third year in a row, up more than 17 percent in three years after declining each year since the early ’90s. Has HIV/AIDS come full circle in this country? Propelled by “miracle” drugs, message burnout, the Internet, and too many younger, still healthy, risk-loving men, has the epidemic outflanked our best efforts?

What pain the numbers would have caused Lou Vanech and Gene Harrington. After devoting decades to the struggle for equal rights and HIV/AIDS causes, Lou and Gene would have thrown down the newspaper and yelled at the top of their weakened lungs: “How did we let this happen? Why do they care so little about themselves and others? Don’t they see how this recklessness revives old stereotypes and hurts the HIV/AIDS struggle?”

As you may know, Lou Vanech died July 11 at 51 from heart-related AIDS complications just a few weeks before this latest AIDS report hit the news. His good friend Gene Harrington died at 62 just after Christmas. The two activists died knowing they would have to pass on this new challenge to others.

Lou had been one of the most active members of the Houston Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus. He was also active in the Stone Soup Pantry and ACT Up. For the last two years of his life, Lou chaired the Ryan White Planning Council, which oversees the local use of federal funds for HIV/AIDS treatment. Gene, a widely respected Texas Southern University law professor, had been quite active in the caucus; the Houston AIDS Equity League, which he founded; and the Texas Human Rights Foundation.

On the surface, the two friends seemed so different—the sophisticated, witty Gene Harrington, at home in a tux or Scottish kilt, the consummate party host and fundraiser; Lou, the down-to-earth geologist-turned-furniture restorer who carried himself with a gracious humility. How dedicated they both were, almost to their dying day. Both gave hundreds and hundreds of hours of unpaid volunteer work for the community. The loss of two such stalwarts and friends in seven short months leaves a hole in the heart of the community. Others will step up to take their place. They knew that, too. And that provides some comfort to those whose worlds will be forever quieter without them.

To those who, for whatever reason, knowingly risk infection, I suggest you attend the next AIDS memorial. You’ll have many opportunities. Or spend 30 minutes reading panels of the AIDS quilt. Note how many of our finest young men, women, and children died in the early ’80s, long before drug cocktails. Lou and Gene may not have had the chance to say this to you, but allow me: Take advantage and heed the lessons of their lives and sacrifices. They would have given anything to be young and healthy again, knowing everything about HIV/AIDS that we know today. They gave everything.

Give yourself a second chance at life.

Annise Parker is serving her third term in Houston City Council At-large Position 1 and is a candidate for city controller. To receive her bi-monthly email newsletter, contact annise.parker@cityofhouston.net or call 713/247-2014. Her website is www.ci.houston.tx.us/city govt/council/1.

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