Thursday, December 01, 2005

World AIDS Day...

Every year on this day i remember the Hola gang. why? because we use to prepare for December 1st weeks in advance. We would buy rolls of red ribbon and make thousands of litte red ribbons. we also used to prepare packets of condoms with lube and info about safe sex. On December 1st we had our back packs packed with condoms and with the little ribbons. We would go everywhere and anywhere to hand them out!!! we would start at pilsen head down to little village and then further south to 47th street One year we ended up in Ford City. We got kicked out though because of the "stuff" we were handing out. The police guy was very sweet though. He walks towards us and tells us "kids, i personally think its great what you are doing but unfortunetly i'm going to have to kick you out". We said sure, no problem and handed him some condoms and a red ribbon. he just smiled at us as he walked away. i miss those days...

Anyway, i'm wearing my little red ribbon today in honor of my clients and those whom have died due to AIDS. Tazman i miss you and i love you.

6 comments:

dr.v (Not a narcotic Pez dispenser) said...

u do great work, sonrisa. thanks for all u have done and all u continue to do.

yeah....condoms are fun and good for your health....how to convince people,especially young people to use them? how to convince women to insist on condoms from their partners?

Mariposatomica said...

Yes, I agree thank you for the work that you do. How were you received when you went into la villita passing out condoms? I can't believe they kicked you out of Ford City. I was wondering if you know of any job openings in this field. I have a friend that just got laid off. She worked with Latinas who have aids and on campaigns to prevent the disease. Let me know if you hear of anything.

sonrisa morena said...

dr. vodka, i love my job but i have to admit that it's pretty difficult at time, especially when i see my clients health deteriorating. it's really sad. AND i get very upset when women are positive due to not using condoms with their husband because "we're married there is no need for them". this tends to happen alot in the latino community and really pisses me off!!!

mariposa, the young individuals would accept them but giggle or make comments like "i'll take it but i know i won't use it". The older individuals wouldn't accept them and if they did they would return them back to us once they figured out what they were. One year we made roses made out of condoms to sell at La Fiesta del Sol and that was so much fun!!! People didn't realize what they were made of so they would buy them but as they walked away they really would look at them. we would just hear them laugh some actually came back and asked for their money back. we would focus on selling them to couples though because we figured it would be a good way to impress "their girl". it was so much fun. AND i will keep you posted if i hear of something for your friend.

dr.v (Not a narcotic Pez dispenser) said...

roses out of condoms...i would like to see that...do u have any pictures?

Coco said...

What a GREAT cause to work for!

And yes, I understand how painful it must feel when you have "clients" whose health is deteriorating practially right in front of you.

Gracias por hacer esta tu vocaciĆ³n.

Un fuerte y caluroso abrazo.
Cuidate!

Joel said...

I gotta see that rose condoms! that's hilarious.