This is Gaeten Dugas, also identified as "Patient Zero". In the new film documentary about the AIDS crisis, Laurie Lynd seeks to debunk the myth that one person caused this entire crisis. Wouldn't it be convenient if that was the truth? Too neat and way too clean for the real problem. Responsible film making takes a look at what went into the demonizing of one person for the spread of the AIDS crisis.
Victims of this crime of electronic harassment know that AIDS blackmail is all about. We know that Lori spent years trying to make me into her own personal "Patient Zero", but the truth is that some people exploit the gay community for their own personal gain.
I look forward to these kinds of documentaries about this disease and hope to provide people with a greater understanding of this horrible time in sexual history. We all need to understand something about Lori. She knows what she has and uses it like a weapon...refusing treatment that could save her life and so many others. If someone like Lori isn't willing to take advantage of the medical advances in treatment, then "Patient Zero", at least the myth is still alive and well inside America's Meanest Urban Legend. See, it's not just about origins, it's about the continuation of a stereotype. We need more responsible film making about this crisis.
God bless the memory of Gaetan Dugas...he took a lot of heat for something that he didn't know about but became his recklessly.
I know I've lost some pretty terrific friends along the way. For Darrin, Don, Jeff and all the others, this is my way of saying thank you so much for what you taught me here on Earth. I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven. To my friend Tom, I'm sorry for not being there for you...I will make it up to you once you know what this is all about. I think you will understand that staying in San Diego, with what was going on, wouldn't have been safe for you or your friends. You are still the Patty to my Cinny.
