"We Were Here"...documentary on A.I.D.S. crisis in San Francisco touches!

 

For those who were “there” in San Francisco, the documentary “We were Here” is an emotional rollercoaster ride that impacts - and ultimately – sparks compassion.

The well-crafted taut account of the A.I.D.S. crisis at the height of the outbreak of the epidemic doesn’t pull any punches – and subsequently – ends up being an on-the-edge-of-your-seat drama that not only provokes thought but also stirs the emotions long after the dark chapter in American history closed.

The director  - David Weissman - accomplished this remarkable feat by expertly weaving a handful of faded news clips and riveting gut-wrenching visual images to recall the disturbing real-life tale about an insidious disease that struck down vibrant young men in the prime of life while a silent unfeeling Government – and its keepers – hid in the corridors of power and plotted to “quarantine” the infected.

I vividly recall the day I first heard about the mysterious virus.

One morning I dashed downstairs into the kitchen for breakfast, when my room-mate called out to me from the dining room.

“Julian, come read this,” he cried out excitedly.

“There’s cancer breaking out in New York and San Francisco that is killing gay men!"

The article, about one paragraph in length, was sketchy about the details because the virus was in its infancy and was not even given a name (or cause) yet by the medical community-at-large.

About two weeks later, newspaper headlines in dailies around the country were screaming about the killer disease.

On the heels of those disturbing reports, hysterical Americans - particularly homophobic bible-thumpers – cried out for government action.

Right off-the-bat, accusing fingers were pointed at the "gay" community and a homoerotic lifestyle - that some alleged - recklessly spread the mysterious killer disease.

In the wake of the public outcry - gay bath-houses were targeted - and ceremoniously shut down.

During that disturbing "era" of ignorance, friends like actor - Tony Hamilton - were shunned and died a horrible death alone as a result.

Post: 03/03/2009

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/03/tony-hamiltonactors-meteoric-rise-to.html

I was touched personally, in fact, when dozens of friends and acquaintances over the years succumbed to A.I.D.S. with no cure in sight.

When one of my best Vancouver pals - who hailed from Nelson B.C. - was stricken, I was beside myself. 

Because Barrie was a responsible individual who preferred a monogamous relationship with a loving partner to a promiscuous lifestyle, it was evident that A.I.D.S. did not discriminate.

For this reason, I often reported on fundraising efforts in the community (the annual Los Angeles A.I.D.S. walk, for instance) to raise awareness, and likewise, put a spotlight on the bold-faced efforts of a concerned few to rustle up funds for vital research and fathom up treatments to quell the opportunistic infections ravaging its victims.

Post: 10/16/2010

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/10/aids-walk-los-angeleshal-sparks-mayor.html

Even in medical facilities, unfounded fears – and hysteria – reached a fever pitch.

For example, Doctors and nurses worried about their own well-being in the wake of the outbreak, and so, were reluctant to hug their patients or get too close to their charges who ached for a loving hand to reach out and console their weary hearts as death’s door creaked open to swallow up their ravaged bodies.

In response, the Government – not only ignored the crisis – but also turned its back on demands for much-needed funding to combat the spread of the disease.

In one instant case, Government officials did spring into action, however.

The U.S. Department of Naturalization and Immigration instituted laws to deny entry to travelers journeying to these shores (or electing to immigrate) who tested positive for the dreaded disease.

Shocking!

Fortunately, a few high-profile individuals in the show-biz arena - Elizabeth Taylor, or example - took up the good fight to try to convince the fearful that A.I.D.S. was not just a "gay" disease.

Post: 09/24/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/09/elizabeth-tayloraids-activist-last.html

Fortunately, great minds in the field of research – and compassionate fundraisers, too – were prompted to take legitimate meaningful action.

Because of their relentless tireless efforts to raise funds for research – and, likewise - prescribe experimental drugs to stem the tide - the once-rampant outbreak of HIV and A.I.D.S. was finally curbed ( and held at bay).

In the documentary, the director succeeds in shedding a light on these troubling events, by virtue of a handful of interviews he conducted with residents of the Castro District who were actively involved in the struggle to come to grips with – and ultimately - overcome the crisis in the eleventh hour.

Their heartbreaking stories – recalled in vivid heart-wrenching detail – are a testament to the greatness of the human spirit.

“We were Here” is a must-see documentary for that reason alone.

Kudos!

http://www.thetattler.biz

A.I.D.S. Memorial Quilt!

Ground zero during A.I.D.S. crisis!

Blank City...documentary on NO WAVE directors provokes thought! Circa 1970's NYC!

On occasion, a film-goer saunters into a theatre - the lights go down - and they find themselves swept up into a thoroughly thought-provoking celluloid experience.

Such is the case with Blank City - a documentary on the "NO WAVE" film directors who roamed the artsy-fartsy climbs of the lower East-side of New York City - with 8mm cameras in greasy hand in the mid-to-late seventies at the height of the Big Apple's undisputed decline into total debauchery.

The motley crew of visionary artists (lured by cheap rents and squatter's rights) - featured in the well-crafted enlightening documentary - are only now being exalted (in part due to the deliberate efforts of the producers of Blank City who totally believed in this off-beat - but very real - gritty project).

Known to many as the "trangressives", these madcap filmmakers shook the sensibilities at a time when NYC was the hub of a hip culture where music, art, and fashion crossed-over in the lower East side of Manhattan.

This is how the producers describe their film:

"Uncovering New York’s underexposed filmmaking movements circa 1977 to 1987, this provocative documentary begins when New York City was ripe with cheap rent, cheap drugs, a summer hit by “Son of Sam,” and a 25-hour blackout. Captivated by the newly emerging downtown music scene, and inspired by Amos Poe’s 1977 punk documentary “Blank Generation,” two distinct groups of novice filmmakers emerged, hell-bent on capturing the volatile world around them."

And, at any cost!

"We had no money. So we stole our film stock and materials," one director joked in a candid interview.

One week, the young dynamic directors were in the mean streets shooting video - the next - screening their raw images at the St. Mark's Theatre for $2 a pop.

"Everyone had to pay. Especially, when wealthy patrons from uptown started to slip down into the bowery to catch our work when it became all the rage!"

The filmmakers recalled that it was a scary time in New York, too.

"You would be afraid to walk down the street at night for fear of being killed. There were so many empty lots, gutted-out lofts, and run-down tenement buildings."

At a time when the city was on the edge of bankruptcy, landlords had either abandoned their properties, or were inclined to offer up the premises for pittance to the struggling artists who dug in joyously in their inspiring haunts.

"We were itinerant Kings in broken-down castles," one auteur laughingly recalled.

In the scintillating documentary, a number of familiar faces parade across the screen - Deborah Harry - for instance.

The pop singer was a mainstay in the neighborhood during that time frame and often appeared in an experimental film or two.

Steve Buscemi (Fargo) also recalled that he starred in his first low-budget feature in these humble environs.

John Waters felt the movement was so important that he grabbed the opportunity to be interviewed onscreen to offer up commentary on the first wave of true Indie directors in the United States.

I used to reside on 2nd Street on the East Side in 1974 - and believe me - the filmmakers captured the essence of that remarkable era to a "t".

Readers may recall, that I once performed with a show-biz troupe known as the "Hot Peaches" - in an off-off-off Broadway production titled "The Magic Hype" - which was a spoof on the Andy Warhol superstars.

Post: 10/26/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/10/blogginginternet-opens-door-to-past.html

During my visit to NYC in those heady days, I struck up a friendship with an infamous Andy Warhol underground film icon by the name of Jackie Curtis.

Post:  11/24/2007

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/11/jackie-curtiswarhol-star-on-edge.html

Jackie and I both played (and pursued our respective careers) in the same neighborhood where these early pioneers of independent film emerged.

"The key word in No Wave was "No"," noted film director Susan Seidelman (Desperately Seeking Susan).

"Anything that was anti-establishment," she recalled gleefully.

"The cultural scene was so bland at that time. That is why the movement sprang up. It was the start of punk, really," chimed in another.

The director for Blank City (Céline Danhier) stumbled on the treasure trove of film footage when she was doing research on a band that was featured in one of the legendary films crafted at the time (featuring the Ramones, I believe).

The documentary weaves an intriguing tale of the times by way of film clips, on-camera interviews, and old newsreels.

And, the plot is intriguing, to say the least.

For example, it is alleged that shortly after the city went bankrupt - real estate developers, city officials, and landlords - engaged in a conspiracy to "toss out" the artists so they could gentrify the lower east side.

In addition to chat about their creative endeavours, the filmmakers tend to wag their tongues on screen incessantly - too - about the illegal evictions and gross rights violations which took place in the aftermath of the 70's free-for-all.

Curiously, the documentary hints that the Reagan administration's failure to address the A.I.D.S. crisis was a deliberate one - designed to kill off all the artists (and revolutionaries) - rising up against the establishment and the status quo during that illustrious ground-breaking era.

The images are gritty, hard-hitting, and thought-provoking.

There are a handful of amusing moments, too.

Film Director Nick Zedd - for instance - noted that he starred in both the male and female lead roles in one scandalous titillating project.

"Vandals defaced the poster. But, I was glad. It got the reaction that I wanted," he laughed wickedly.

At a Q & A after the screening, the director noted that an archive of the films are currently being compiled at NYU.

"There is a definite need to preserve these important documents because they represent the emergence of independent film in this country," she concluded.

The filmmaker is currently seeking distribution for Blank City.

If it plays at a local revival house near you, do catch it!

http://www.thetattler.biz

A.I.D.S. Walk Los Angeles..actor Hal Sparks, Mayor Villaraigosa & Ana Ortiz attend! Fundraiser big draw!

Still time to sign up & Register for A.I.D.S. Walk Los Angeles!

 

Well, it's that time again!

Thousands of California residents - from far-and-wide - will stridently head into West Hollywood tomorrow morning (Sunday Oct. 17th) to participate in (or just cheer on) the annual A.I.D.S. Walk.

At last count, there will be 30,000 strong marching to raise funds for A.I.D.S. research and to help provide benefits (such as low-cost housing and prescription drugs) to the needy afflicted with the killer disease.

For example, since its inception in 1985, AIDS Walk  has benefited AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), an AIDS service organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by HIV disease; reducing the incidence of HIV infection; and advocating for fair and effective HIV–related public policy.

AIDS Walk Los Angeles makes it possible for APLA to provide urgently needed food, dental care, safe housing, and much more to people with HIV/AIDS who also face poverty, hunger, and homelessness.

APLA also runs the county’s largest network of HIV prevention programs with the hope of ending the epidemic in Los Angeles.

As usual, a host of celebrated guests are expected to turn up at the podium to utter up a glut of inspiring pep talks,  sure to get the walkers in a festive mood for the occasion once again.

Keep you eyes out for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman, and celebrity guests Bob Harper, Pauley Perrette, Ana Ortiz, Sara Ramirez, Michael Urie, LaKisha Jones, Hal Sparks, Megan Boone, Sam Jaeger,  Joshua Gomez, Michelle Bonilla, and Barrett Foa.

There's still time to register,  join in on the fun, and make a contribution:

http://www.aidswalk.net/losangeles/
Once the fundraisers cross the finish line, there will be an upbeat post-Walk party in front of the stage - featuring local KIIS-FM DJ Jay Rodriguez - and some of L.A.’s finest food trucks!

Free parking and shuttle service are available at the Beverly Connection parking structure (enter from La Cienega), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (enter from Gracie Allen Way or George Burns Road), or 8899 Beverly Boulevard (between Doheny and Robertson).

Free parking is not available this year at the Pacific Design Center.

BOO!

Boy, are they on the wrong page, eh?

Maybe the community should stop shopping at the Pacific Design Center to show how it feels about their lack of support!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

AIDS Walk Los Angeles Information:

Date:

Sunday, October 17th

Time:

8:30 a.m. Sign-In
9:15 a.m. Opening Ceremony
10:00 a.m. Walk Begins

Location:

West Hollywood Park
647 N. San Vicente Blvd. in West Hollywood

Length of Walk:
10 kilometers / 6.2 miles

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetatter.biz

Queer as Folk star Hal Sparks to appear!

(far right)

AHF...charitable pharmacy gives to community! "Out of the Closet" bargains galore!

Blair Underwood handsome spokesperson for Pharmacy!

The other day I sauntered into "OUT OF THE CLOSET" to flip through their used-clothing racks.

The  reasons were three-fold, actually.

For starters, the charitable organization is a great shopping outlet for bargains during tough economic times, when expendable cash for a large percentage of the middle-class has stopped up.

Secondly, a purchase at any one of their flourishing outlets, helps fund programs for the needy in the community-at-large.

Also, let’s face it, the gay dudes who donate their cast-offs each season (hardly ever worn) have impeccable taste when it comes to style and bellweather fashion trends.

For a few cents on the dollar, the savvy man-about-town can easily whip a handful of eye-catching array of wardrobe ensembles at a fraction of the cost he’d be forced to fork out at Macy’s or Bloomie’s (Bloomingdale’s).

Style newbies, who don’t have a clue, are welcome to check out a prior post in which I offered up a handful of tips to consider when springing for purchases at second-hand stores such as Goodwill and Out of the Closet.

Post: 01/05/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/mens-fashion-tipsthrift-shop-bargains.html

The trip to "Out of the Closet" also introduced me to a helpful service I was totally oblivious to 'til a scant few days ago.

Over the past year, in case you were unaware of it, the charity partnered with AHF Pharmacy.

So, now when you shop at "Out of the Closet", the professional staff at AHF can fill your prescriptions while you're cruising in-between the racks keeping an eagle-eye out for bargains!

AHF (A.I.D.S. Health Foundation) is relatively new on the pharmaceutical scene.

And, unfortunately, there are only a handful of outlets in Florida and California, as I speak.

But, thanks to high-profile individuals such as actor Blair Underwood (who is a spokesperson for their commercials on Bravo TV) their visibility in the community is gaining momentum.

I originally crossed paths with the charismatic actor during a brief stint on LA LAW many moons ago!

And, just recently included the dapper dresser on my prestigious (!) annual Men's Best-Dressed list.

Post:  01/31/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/julian-ayrs-1st-annual-worst-dressed.html

As to AHF - well - they deliver up a myriad of worthwhile services worth crowing about.

And, at no additional cost to their clients.

Here is a smattering of free services they provide to their client base:


*Prescriptions filled hassle-free.
*Speedy free delivery and shipping (confidential)
*Complimentary handling of paperwork
*Prescription billed to Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-cal & private plans
*Free consultations
*Free bill boxes to ensure clients don’t forget their meds
*Free HIV testing at select sites

Uh-huh!

Clients do not have to be HIV positive (or afflicted with full-blown A.I.D.S.) to take advantage of the services AHF provides free on a daily basis with no strings attached.

Indeed, more often-than-not, AHF staff are at-the-ready to offer up free vitamin samples, gift cards during special promotions (valid at Macy’s, Safeway, etc.) and lots of other freebies.

The day I waltzed in, the staff were not only outgoing and friendly, but anxious to toss a few practical goodies my way.

When I strolled out the door, I was loaded down with a giant container of free muscle-building protein drink, nifty designer water bottle, free vitamin samples, a couple of energy drinks, and - get this - a $25.00 gift card (in exchange for transferring a prescription to their pharmacy).

AHF (in case you were wondering from whence they came) is an affiliate of the non-profit A.I.D.S. Healthcare Foundation.

When you fill a prescription at AHF - 96 cents of every dollar collected - directly funds A.I.D.S. programs and community services domestically and overseas.

The monies generated also help provide cutting-edge HIV medical care regardless of an individual’s ability to pay or not pay.

In a nutshell, the workers at AHF are Angels, in my estimation.

God Bless each and every one!

 

 

http://www.thetattler.biz

Tony Hamilton...actor's meteoric rise to stardom & tragic end!

One day, a casting director gave me a shout and asked if I would mind doubling for an actor for an independent feature, "Mirrors".

In those days, I was a bit of a workaholic and always in need of ready cash, so I jotted down the location address and dashed out the door full of vim and vigor.

As I was signing in with the assistant director, a breathtakingly handsome actor appeared at my right and strode confidently across the sound stage towards us.

"Tony, this is Julian. He'll be your double today."

We subtly sized each other up, then settled in for the task at hand.

Although location shoots may be adrenalin-boosting on occasion, this shoot proved to be somewhat draining; so, when I was wrapped early in the evening I was out the door before the ink was barely dry on my pay voucher.

Tony was still on the set rehearsing for the martini shot.

Shortly after that gig, I occasionally bumped into Tony (Hamilton) after hours on the night-club party circuit in West Hollywood.

He cut a fine swath around town, in his black 450SL Mercedes Benz convertible, as he hotly pursued his career (and addiction to sex) with lusty carefree abandon.

Hamilton was born in Liverpool and grew up on a sheep farm in Australia.

Fate appeared to nudge him into the dance arena - in part due to the fact - a significant portion of the curriculum at the schools he attended (Scotch College & Adelaide) was focused on Ballet.

In fact, The Australian Ballet Company welcomed him into their fold after his formal training was complete and auditions established that he had not only a dramatic flair, but was blessed with a unique talent for dance.

During one performance in 1972, a fashion photographer noticed how photogenic he was, and offered him a career opportunity in modelling.

Tony quickly booked assignments in America, Europe, and Asia.

Richard Avedon bowed at his feet.

And, he was a favorite of Bruce Weber, a top photographer of the day.

You may have spied Hamilton gracing the pages of Vogue and GQ during his golden years, delivering up delicious fashion statements by the likes of visionary superstars such as designer Gianni Versace.

I was driving in hectic rush-hour traffic one day when there was a news flash on the radio.

According to the News Anchor, Jon Erik Hexum - a co-star on the popular action-adventure TV series "Cover-Up" - was toying with a prop on the set and shot himself accidentally in the head.

Hexum is pictured at the right.

The wound proved to be fatal.

In the wake of the tragedy, Tony was plucked from relative obscurity to step into Hexum's role.

Suddenly, Hamilton was thrust into the spotlight - and as a result - his star rose quickly.

Tony was particularly well-known for his perfect pecs, startlingly handsome face, and a steady gaze that could melt the hardest of hearts.

What a hunk!

As it turned out, Tony worked out at the same gym as I did, the Athletic Club.

The privatelly-owned hang-out for serious body-builders was a hop-and-a-skip down the street from the infamous Sports Erection - excuse me - Sports Connection.

One day, I dashed into the change room, tore off my clothes, and started to head for the showers.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spied Tony standing in the shadows, packing up his gym bag.

What a shock!

In the half-light, I noticed right away that Tony's face had a gaunt-like appearance, and that his body appeared to be startlingly thin.

I tried to conceal my first thought, but judging from Tony's all-knowing glance, he knew right away that I was clued in.

The tell-tale physical signs indicated he was obviously in advanced stages of the disease.

My heart sank!

Within a few weeks, the rumor-mill started up.

Within a short span of time, industry-insiders were keenly aware of his troubling medical problem.

Unfortunately, in those days - the 3-drug combo known as the "cocktail" which is used today to effectively combat the disease (and keep it at bay) - had not been developed by A.I.D.S. researchers yet.

When the word got out, casting directors stopped calling him for interviews - and producers and studio executives who once sang his praises - shunned him.

The news of the A.I.D.S. epidemic was just breaking in the media around the country and the hysteria had risen to a fever pitch.

Loved ones - even nurses and health-care professionals - were afraid to touch an A.I.D.S. patient for fear of catching the dreaded killer virus themselves.

The ignorance running rampant was astounding!

Sadly, Tony passed to spirit in 1995, after a bout of A.I.D.S. related pneumonia.

This evening when I was researching a few facts about his childhood years, I was quite taken aback to learn that Tony and I were both born the same year (1952).

Astoundingly, his birthday was May 4th, two days earlier than my own on May 6th.

Star-crossed lovers?

I'll always remember two things about Tony.

His stunning masculine beauty and his gentle loving spirit.

Who could ask for anything more?

http://www.julianayrs.com