Living and Loving in the Age of AIDS: A memoir

Derek and J fell in love more than 40 years ago, and J received a death sentence: he was HIV Positive. They faced their crisis with courage, humor, and an indomitable resolve to survive, and founded the charity Aids Ark, which has helped to save more than 1,000 HIV Positive lives. This is a story of joy and triumph, of facing universal challenges, and of the great rewards that come from giving back.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 13 April 2021
\n Publisher: Watkins Media
\n

This is the story of a devastating pandemic that claimed the lives of countless individuals, leaving a painful void in their hearts and families. It is also a love story that spans more than four decades. Derek, a distinguished designer, and J, a pioneering entrepreneur and creator of Heaven, the iconic gay dance club, met and fell in love in the early 1980s. However, their lives took an unexpected turn when their friends began to fall ill and pass away, victims of the AIDS pandemic that had arrived in their lives.

When J received his HIV Positive diagnosis, he was given a death sentence. Despite the global stigma and fear surrounding AIDS, Derek and J faced their crisis with courage, humor, and an indomitable resolve to survive. J's battle lasted six long years, during which he faced numerous challenges and setbacks. However, he never lost hope and found solace in spiritual reflection, yoga, nature, and the unwavering love of Derek.

Derek describes a profound transformation that took place within him as he witnessed his partner's suffering. He witnessed the rise of compassion and empathy, like a phoenix from the ashes of sickness and death. Inspired by their love and determination, Derek and J founded the charity Aids Ark, which has since helped to save more than 1,000 HIV Positive lives.

This story is one of joy and triumph, of facing universal challenges and the great rewards that come from giving back. Derek speaks for a generation who lived through a global health crisis that many at the time refused to acknowledge. His powerful story chronicles this extraordinary era, reminding us of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, this is the tale of a devastating pandemic that claimed the lives of countless individuals, but it is also a love story that transcends time and adversity. Derek and J's journey is a testament to the power of love, compassion, and resilience, and their legacy will continue to inspire and uplift others for generations to come.

\n Weight: 320g\n
Dimension: 203 x 270 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786784964\n
Edition number: 0 New edition\n