From One Normal Heart To Another

Sometimes on rare occasions,  a moment in time takes on a meaning far greater than the sum of its parts. December 1st was just such a moment. The Broadway for Arts Education production of a reading of “The Normal Heart” at the LGBT Center in New York brought together a group of outstanding talent of cast, producers and crew along with twelve young interns (ages 14-22 ) who not only spent a semester learning what production work is like, but on this evening experienced what it was like to be gay at the beginning of and during the worst period of the aids epidemic. And last, but not least, a sold out audience who brought their own experiences and loss from this epidemic to be witnesses of the artful telling of this tragic story. That is more than enough to make for a very special evening, but wait, there’s more…

It was incredibly important to do this at this moment in time, World Aids Day,  at the LGBTQ Center in NY. One intern was heard asking what the red ribbons stood for; they did not really know anything about the AIDS epidemic or the role this disease continues to play in the lives of people today. Another was heard to ask at the end of the play, “Was this real?” Real education is hard to come by these day…

Many comparisons to the COVID epidemic were being discussed and the differences in time for vaccines and medications to assist with symptoms. I recalled a poignant moment from my own life in the early 1990’s when a young man who was dying from AIDS was granted his dying wish and was telling his own story to a group of young people to make a documentary. As I introduced him to each young person, they respectfully shook his hand and I noticed that tears were streaming down his face before we could even get started. When I asked him what was wrong, he said that he couldn’t remember the last time someone touched him voluntarily.

And then there was the “so much more” of people who had never met before who began to find they were interconnected in ways no one could have predicted. Pictures were taken, stories told, reflection and growth occurred. Everything from last evening was much more important than it seemed on the surface and that is what is so very important about BAE.

Time ran out for us at the LGBTQ Center and the intern who had carefully prepared a speech requesting your support for the work of BAE did not get to speak; however, you are always heard best when you financially support the work of a nonprofit organization. I personally and everyone involved in any way in this important work with young people hope you see the importance and the need. Please give as generously as you are able and know that you make a difference. I will remember the night of December 1st and I hope you do also!

Lina Drinkard
BAE Board Member

Production Photos by Michael Hull: