spring 2010

TEN Newsletter Spring 2010

finally

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

this weekend has found me with the urge to really sigh a very big sigh. the project we have been working on since august has finally come to fruition. our not-for-profit papers have finally been filed. i felt like throwing in the towel long ago as my friend who is in this adventure with me has very definite ideas about everything involved.

but the incorporation has been established. the tax id number has been granted. and the 1023 papers have been sent in. when i heard it had actually been mailed, i just lifted my fist over my head and silently shouted "finally".

one can only hope that everything goes well. i am in complete amazement that i am allowed to participate in this particular journey. when i consider the fear and frustration i felt getting clean almost 5 years ago, i can hardly believe i am the same person. this has to be grace. at least it feels like it. you can check out our organization at on the ten.

i was asked to speak at a recovery rally at the state capital this wednesday. i said yes, but am a bit nervous about putting out a good message. again, i am at a loss to think i am on the same bill as the governor. although i have heard he is double booked and we may get mrs. ritter- (who is fantastic!). but i am most proud of the fact that there is a movement here in america to bring to light the fact that recovery does indeed happen and restores sanity and stability to many sectors. this seems a good direction to channel more of our efforts. less incarceration and more recovery.

with these all these amazing things happening around me, dare i believe that more can happen. i can think of at least one more fabulous adventure i would love to take.

the 5th issue of the sin newsletter is ready and up on the ontheten blog. a big thank you to all those who submitted articles or helped in so many ways.

today's sound choice is cece penniston with "finally"

it's a sin

another labor of love has come out to bloom. i think this one is better than the last, and hope they continue to get stronger. so many thanks to so many people. i am learning so much along the way.


SIN Newsletter 4

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Health aids denver

today's sound choice is the pet shop boys "it's a sin"

draft

Trouble is your middle name
But in the end youre not too bad
Can someone tell me if its wrong to be
So mad about you
Mad about you
Mad
Give me all your true hate
And Ill translate it in your bed
Into never seen passion
That is why I am so mad about you
Mad about you

from mad about you... hooverphonics

finally, we are ready to publish. this takes so much longer than i ever imagined. it's definitely a labor of love. there are friends from all over who have helped with this issue. marc, richard and brian- thank you so much for all your support and especially your friendship and patience.

hopefully, you will find it a good read. i don't know if i mentioned this, but allow me to boast even if it's one more time- the major denver public hospital and the state health department are now giving copies of this newsletter to new positives whenever they can. i am really blown away by this.
your comments are welcomed, as always.

love you madly.
truly, madly, deeply

SIN Newsletter 3 - Upload a Document to Scribd

the net

“When you're young, your whole life is about the pursuit of fun. Then, you grow up and learn to be cautious. You could break a bone or a heart. You look before you leap and sometimes you don't leap at all because there's not always someone there to catch you. And in life, there's no safety net. When did it stop being fun and start being scary?” from Sex And The City

a couple of friends and i have formed an hiv organization called t-e-n and are currently filing for 501c3 status. in tandem with this we have also begun a peer-led support group for newly poz gay men.

last night was the new group's first meeting. there were 11 men there. all relatively newly poz looking for support. all but one stayed an hour longer than scheduled. we presume it was worth it. several are interested in heading another group (at least at this stage). hopefully all are interested in helping themselves.

this is an initial triumph for t-e-n. being a poz gay man in denver has a different complexion than in many larger cities. it is quite stigmatized here and also quite closeted. community is quite tribal and not always the friendliest. this allows a different perspective in to a rather large tribe of gay men. pozzies.

here's what the next SIN newsletter says about the group...

Fall Into The Net
By Rick Smith

Hearing the words “You are HIV Positive!” can be challenging and life changing. You probably are unsure how you should feel and find you want to isolate yourself from the world as you adjust to your new circumstances. If this sounds like you then you may want to fall into a (safety) NET to keep you more balanced and strong.

Beginning October 1, 2008 the Treatment Education Network (TEN) will be hosting a pilot project we are calling the NET, for newly diagnosed gay men in metro Denver who are newly POZ. We invite each of you, who have been diagnosed within the last 3 years and think that you might need or want a safety NET as well as peer support and education, contact Rick Smith and claim your place. This is an effort of TEN, a community organization in metro Denver which is peer operated for and by HIV positive people.

Our support series, the NET, will meet at Denver Infectious Disease Consultants, 4545East 9th Avenue, starting on October 1st and continue meeting the first and third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. The curriculum will last 9 sessions and take place every other week. No fees. Be prepared for lively conversations, accurate information, candid questions and thoughtful answers. This program is designed to be success focused and will include the following ideas. Many experienced HIV positive men find that most of these are part of their experience throughout life.

• Dealing with Diagnosis
• Disclosure to Others
• Sex and HIV
• Big Treatment Questions
• Financial Considerations
• Social Networking
• Spirituality
• HIV Education
• A Personal Support Network
• Sharing What You Know


If you have any questions, are ready to fall into the NET and join me, then please call me to schedule an intake interview to reserve your spot in the NET. We are limited to 15 people so please be sure to call soon.