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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

October, 1991

Alive & Well

by Kyle

Alive & Well, which I have been writing for the Living Room every month, is a column dedicated to self empowerment and holistic healing for those who are HIV challenged. The most important part of this empowerment and healing--and the heartbeat of the Living Room itself--is the power of sharing friendship, support, and unconditional love.

It is in keeping with this philosophy that I invite others who are HIV challenged to share this space with me.

This month, Mike Holland, a Hospice nurse, Living Room volunteer and PWA tells his story.

Living with HIV

by Mike Holland

The slogan "Stick with the Winners" comes to mind when asked about any success I've had in life including my HIV status, over seven years asymptomatic. Years ago if there was something I wanted I went to the top source in the area of my interest for help. Instinctively I knew that those on the bottom only showed me how not to do something. Friends were wonderful for many things, but not so much for business or health. So, with my health, I looked not to those who were bitter and dying, but to those who were alive and positive; those who were turning a negative health diagnosis into a life of constructive action.

During Labor Day in '87, I was in Portland, Maine with a group of friends. I did not have the patience for them that day, and left to visit a guy I had met the previous summer who lived in the country. Of course I heard "why do you want to visit him, he has AIDS?" I had just been diagnosed with a spine disorder; I knew that Fred was happy and would understand my feelings, so off I

drove. Little did I know then to a greater sense of life that would lead me half way around the world, better health, and when later diagnosed with HIV myself, took it as a challenge. That day in Portland I was introduced to the work of Louise Hay and Dr. Bernie Siegal, and later on I studied with them and others.

Today I've had no surgery on my spine, or foot, have not been sick and maintain a T-cell count of 750+. Luck? No. Hard work? Yes.

Also, the pain of clearing away some old resentments, facing my self concepts, realizing some goals I'd put on the shelf, and in general expanding my spiritual nature by being more open to the Feelings of Life than the things in life. I also have learned to thank

תברר תקוה

Chevrei Tikva

The Cleveland Religious and Social Oganization for Gay and Lesbian Jews

THE HIGH HOLIDAYS are over but certainly never to be forgotten. The expression, "You're not getting older, just better," certainly rings true at Chevrei Tikva.

This season we used the upstairs sanctuary at the Unitarian Society (originally a synagogue), which added the right ambiance to the holidays. Huge bouquets of flowers were donated by Greg and Howard for Rosh Hoshana, and by Leonard A. for Yom Kippur. For the first time in our history we had someone to sound the Shofar (ram's horn) on Rosh Hoshana and at the closing of Yom Kippur.

Not being Jewish, and never having heard the Shofar before, Joy did a remarkable sounding on the new horn that she and Ellen donated to the synagogue. Other wonderful additions to the services included David coming in from the East Coast, guitar in hand

Ohio Clinic for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery

A private, outpatient surgical center located in Westlake, Ohio.

Call for an appointment or for our informa-

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216 333-1020

Michael H. Wojtanowski, M.D., F.A.C.S. Board Certified

Member, American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Inc.

God that my parents, though far from perfect, were loving and realistic in the area of my homosexuality. No closet did I need. I now work in the health care field and see the great damage the closet rends to people's lives, plus other secrets. Perhaps the foremost secret is that we are wonderful people. People who deserve to be happy, healthy, and able to make life-enhancing decisions for ourselves. The self esteem to choose partners that nourish our life; to choose jobs that fulfill life; to be proud of who we are. Pride begets Pride. My first patient here was a young man in the closet, of a nice family, in a lovely suburb. He had spent his life trying to "do what he thought would make his parents happy." The parents spent 32 years trying to do what they thought would make him happy, but they never discussed it directly. The doctors at Metro Hospital told them that without the great contribution of the gay communities of San Francisco and New York

and in excellent voice, to do the chants throughout the services. In addition to David's beautiful rendition of the Kol Nidre prayer, a cello-and-piano duet followed David's chant.

The four sermonettes discussed why we are here and what is needed to continue being a force in the Jewish and lesbian and gay communities.

Dinner before Rosh Hoshana evening services included 20 people at the Mad Greek, about a dozen for lunch the following day at the Greenhouse, and another dozen at a preKol Nidre dinner at Nightown. The Yom Kippur afternoon service, at Paul's house, was attended by more than a dozen, with another half-dozen or so joining in for the potluck break-the-fast (with more food than you handle in one night for 50!).

ter.

Now, the challenge is to keep getting bet-

FRUIT ANYONE? A HEALTHFUL FUND-RAISER! Chevrei Tikva, in its ongoing search to have both a fund-raiser and

they would not have the awareness and knowledge the medical community has gained thus far in treatment of AIDS.

Learning what is inside of us, and being proud to express it is a great adventure. An adventure I've learned through working with the concepts of meditation and teachers such as Louise Hay, Bernie Siegal, and Carolyn Myss. Here in Cleveland we have a weekly Healing Circle and Meditation meeting. This work is best done in group as the energy, feelings, trust, and support of others is key to healing. Isolation is an imitation of death. Think about it.

Mike is facilitator of the Healing Circle and Meditation Group which meets every Thursday at 7:00p.m. at the Living Room. If you are interested in joining, stop by or call 522-1998.▼

a good time while doing it, has come up with a healthy benefit for everyone: oranges and grapefruit direct from Florida. Indian River Groves in Florida is noted for fresh fruit of excellent quality and taste and a supplier to fund-raisers all over the country. Chevrei Tikva has ordered the fruit, to be delivered direct from Florida in mid-November, in time for Thanksgiving or other holiday gift-giving.

Navel oranges will be two-fifths of a bushel for $11.75 or four-fifths of a bushel for $21.50. Pink grapefruit will be two-fifths of a bushel for $10 and four-fifths for $17.50. [Two-fifths of a bushel averages 20 pounds; four-fifths averages 40 pounds.]

All shipments are guaranteed fresh and top quality. When you are thinking of gifts for the upcoming holiday season, or your own good health, think FRUIT, think CHEVREI TIKVA. It's a healthy choice and your purchases will keep ongoing programs at CT ongoing! Call 932-5551 to place an order or for more information.▼

QUEST Inc. a truly not for profit organization (since 1969) is making available truly affordable (manufactured ready to live in) new homes.

HUD and State Certified 24' x 40' about $16,000 14'. x 70' about $8,500 (manufactures wholesale prices)

24 ft. by 40 ft. homes are legal per Cleveland Ordinance #827-85 titled "manufactured homes". The city administration and council are presently amending #827-85 (now called 34-91) to allow in certain areas of the city the less than 23 ft. wide homes which are 950 square feet or more (QUEST brought attention to this exclusionary ordinance). Write: Guy Templeton Black 753 Brayton Ave. Cleve. OH 44113 Since May 1991 this corrected ordinance is being held up in city departments

Committment Vows

I perform ceremonies outside the traditional fold: with sincere respect for each couple who love, honor & cherish each other. Please call Rev. Renee Goodman 216/247-2772

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