I was really moved by Sean Kosofky's column about thanking activists in the last issue of BTL. I think it was a wonderful idea and I want to take this opportunity to send my smiley face to the leaders of our community who mentored me and Sean and the rest of the activists of my generation. Times are very different now, than when I started my journey as an activist. We are simply continuing the work of people like Craig Covey of MAPP, Jeff Montgomery of Triangle and Jan Stevenson (formally of Affirmations). They were the activists who inspired me, and I hope that I will be as good a mentor and role model as they were to me.
I cannot forget Grace Mc Clellen of Ruth Ellis Center. Although she was not around when I was beginning my work in the GLBT community, she inspires me today with her energy and unwavering commitment to our GLBT youth.
For everyone I mentioned and countless others I could not, my world would not be the same without you, and I am forever grateful for everything you've done.
David Ponsart
Board Member – MAPP
Co-Founder – Al GAMEA
HIV Counselor – ACCESS
