OUT cast 08/10/2020

Sive and Steve return with their series: Deja Vu? The Covid Pandemic and the AIDS Crisis. Listen to PART 1 of their discussion with Tom Antonik as he talks about his journey as a Person With AIDS from New York City to Maine including his work with the PWA Coalition. Tom Antonik was diagnosed as HIV+ in 1986 while living in New York City. At the time there were no treatments. When he received an AIDS diagnosis the following year, the only approved treatment, AZT, had just become available, and ACT UP New York was officially established. Also among the support and advocacy groups formed in those very early years was the People with AIDS Coalition of NYC, where Tom found solace and support, and some months later joined their Board of Directors as well as their Speaker’s Bureau. Thus changed the trajectory of what Tom had expected would be a shortened life span. Returning to Maine, where he had lived on and off most of his life, he helped found the People with AIDS Coalition of Maine, served on the Board of the AIDS Project (now the Franny Peabody Center), as well as a number of State and Governor’s advisory Boards. He was also active as a public speaker, sharing his experiences of living with AIDS. Tom has additionally served as an advisor (adult volunteer) with OUTRIGHT Portland, and as volunteer staff for Camp Chrysalis, a week-long camp for children and families living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. He continues working with high school age youth through the New England Yearly Meeting (Quakers) youth programs.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/outcast/1079/thumbnail.jp