Comment from a reader

Editor's Note: GBMNews.com allows readers to post their comments. Occasionally we receive comments from readers worthy of publication for the wider readership. Below is a comment, edited in conformity with our standards, from a reader named "Craig" who shared his view on the demise of People of Color in Crisis (POCC).

 

 
Photo by Ocean Morisset
"I was wondering what happened to the building when I visited Brooklyn to see my HIV internist. [The building was located] just behind my subway exit off the Number 2 train. I'd often glance over my shoulder in the winter months and see the signature vertical blinds securing the sensitive business of HIV/AIDS related issues, and when my examination at the doctor is complete, I would browse, seeing the information wall for HIV medical trials, employment, gay peer/youth meetings and warm light conversations; even being greeted with a hug from the staff. I enjoyed this culturally rich space that could not, in my personal past, be re-created in the state of my origin. As a Black gay man there is no REAL place that brought me as much comfort, conflict and camaraderie than at POCC and from the staff.

I arrived in the city 11-years ago. Then the staff was small, but eager to assist me in my troubled state. As the agency grew I came to see the larger mission that they wanted to accomplish. I loved Gary English and I loved Michael Roberson: they were exceptional Black gay brothers to me. Beyond the personal/professional relationship I shared with them, I am enraged beyond comprehension that the entire agency with 21 years of good, hard, life-saving work behind it is dead. This isn't supposed to happen. 

Black gay men need POCC NOW more than ever. HIV rates in our community are off the charts. I don't care much about PRIDE in the City or any Jubilations event. Frankly, and personally, it's all been a bit too salacious in general. We need a day-to-day life-line with our own people who understand the unique struggles of the Black gay urban experience in New York. I enjoyed the 3MV series - brothas connecting, no music, no alcohol, no darkness just the real grimy, greasy, reality of sexual behavior and attitudes surrounding sex. I'll miss "Miss Katey" and all the hard working staff who showed me respect. Is there going to be ANY other establishment for the largest borough with the largest concentration of African American/West Indian MSM living with HIV/AIDS?

Please, Black gay powerful and connected peeps, they say the time is about "change" we ought to be able to do this. Get another AIDS service organization in place to fight for the African American/West Indian MSM's and HIV/AIDS community. We need you straight up no two ways about it."