saw me.We stayed connected over the years as she went on to become the Managing Director of Policy at GMHC (formerly Gay Men’s Health Crisis).
As a young adult devoted to social justice, I’d frequently run into her at political rallies across New York City. Sometimes the causes would change, but she always treated me the same.
Whether the rally was centered around advocating for the rights of sex workers, undocumented immigrants, people living with HIV/AIDS or racial justice, she would always summon me to her.
She would ask kindly how I was feeling that day, and then gently push me to the front line. She ensured that I was safe, seen and empowered.