Leann Jacobsen is running against Steve King for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. Learn more: www.LeannJacobsen.com.
Today is World AIDS Day.
And today I’m thinking of my husband Dave's brother and best friend, Gary, who passed away from complications of AIDS in 1994 at the age of 41.
Gary was a gay man, growing up in a very conservative part of the state, at a time when people didn't understand what homosexuality was. After graduating from high school, Gary moved away from his hometown of Spencer, Iowa, and became a renowned commercial artist and illustrator, working primarily with chalk and scratchboard, in Seattle, WA. He even taught classes at the University of Washington.
Gary’s memory is proudly displayed in our community.
Dave, his other brother, Ron, and I developed Gary's on the River, which has turned into a memorial in downtown Spencer, to help keep Gary’s spirit alive and give the kids in Spencer a place to go.
When we literally picked up and moved an old church to the riverfront in 2009, we talked publically about it being named after a gay man. At that time, it sparked a lot of conversation within the community about what it means to be gay. Many people used it as an opportunity to discuss the gay brother or son or daughter they had; it put a face on something and helped people understand how close to home this issue is. The conversation helped move our community forward.
Gary's on the River is still a place of tolerance and beauty, where Gary’s artwork is on display, and his story is prominently posted and shared with visitors. Forty years ago, Gary could not live in his hometown as a young gay man. Hopefully, now things are different -- we’re certainly working hard to make it that way.
Gary was an incredible -- and incredibly beloved -- human being. So today, on World AIDS Day, please consider making a donation to UNAIDS in memory of Gary and the lives he has touched, even after his death.