$45.00

Hi!

In the 1980s, coming out in Montreal was both exciting & scary. Cool house clubs like Business hosted Mardi Fifi, while Garage had monthly ladies' nights, attracting all the cool kids. With everyone going, I had a free pass to join in, but deep down I felt an intrinsic desire to go during regular gay nights. The fear of being found out and the looming threat of AIDS made this journey intimidating. Seeking support, I turned to a therapist at CEGEP who offered me three pamphlets on HIV/AIDS and his best wishes. I was on my own from there.

The years that followed were complicated, but I persevered, getting an education and establishing a career as a Designer and Art Director.  Recently, I had the privilege of art directing "Fellow Travelers", a limited series that traced the lives of two lovers from the McCarthy era to the AIDS crisis.  The culminating moment, set in Washington, allowed us to showcase original AIDS Quilts in collaboration with the National AIDS Memorial. It was a profoundly moving experience, especially that I was asked to create my own quilt for the show, which honoured the memories of all the Montrealers we have lost.

Today, alongside my husband Alvin, I am committed to the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS through our involvement in the Friends for Life Bike Rally. This cause holds personal significance, as we each carry our own experiences from different eras of the epidemic. This will be my third time cycling the 600km route to Montreal, despite not having done so in over 15 years!  Your support is invaluable – donations exceeding $20 will receive a tax receipt, with contributions above $200 making a significant impact come tax season. ;-)

Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, and generosity.

MERCI, Sylvain xo