July 17, 2009

NYS Sen. Duane Delivers Impassioned Speech on Behalf of People With HIV/AIDS

New York State Senator Tom Duane (D–Manhattan) delivered an impassioned speech in Albany on July 17 on behalf of people with HIV/AIDS. Duane is the first openly HIV-positive and the first openly gay member of the New York State Senate.

Duane was speaking in favor of a measure that would cap "shelter costs" (rent and utilities) to 30 percent of income for people living with HIV/AIDS who receive public assistance.

At times Duane’s voice was angry: "You think it’s funny killing Duane’s bill? You’re not killing my bill, you’re killing people!" And when he recounted the loss and suffering of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the intense emotion of those times rose to the surface, his voice nearly cracking.

"Duane’s speech demonstrates why the first-person voice of people with HIV is so powerful, whether it is on the boards of provider organizations, in our local communities or among elected officials when deliberating public policy," said POZ founder Sean Strub.

According to The Daily News, Senators Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada Jr., both Democrats, gave Duane a standing ovation. The rest of the Democrats followed, but the Republicans did not join in.

Watch the speech:

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Previous Comments:

Jason, Minneapolis, 2009-08-10 11:47:43
This is not about letting people be lazy on a welfare system. This is about kind, hard working gay men/ HIV poz men and women who give important contributions to society through their work and through paying taxes. When the moment comes that they are to sick to work and to sick to provide for themselves they are left out in the cold. One nail for the evicition notice and one nail for the coffin, thats what this country gives us. ENOUGH. We NEED better and DESERVE better. Thank you Senator.

jonny, Brooklyn, 2009-07-28 17:09:31
this brought me to tears. i thank the universe for this man and his words!!! finally, someone stood up and let 'em have it. i look forward to more people in power standing up and demanding change like Tom. the stigmas are so simple, the world is smarter than that!! the more voices, the more change!!!

Frederick Wright, Tampa, 2009-07-24 10:19:47
Wow, Fascinating one angry Gay man with HIV is creating some action in New York amd it will be most wonderful when more HIV people fine the courage, strength and community support to come out of living in stigma,shame and guilt for it is most freeing to not have to hold one's head down each day. The healthiness to be free to express oneself in truth with out hiding behind a confidentiality of old school thinking. I pray and hope more PWA's come out to be free from the darkne

Rob Marchetti, Camp Hill, PA, 2009-07-23 22:12:12
"You don't scare me, nothing scares me!" If there are words to describe the gratitude I feel toward Senator Duane, I regret that they're not in my vocab. I'm awed and inspired.

Anselmo Fonseca, San Juan, 2009-07-23 17:51:34
Tom Duane is Excellent. He makes me proud to say that I am a New Yorker, and HIV poz thou currently living in Puerto Rico. We need at least 100 more like him on the hill, he moved me to tears on so many levels, as I am sure many of you as well. May the universe conspire to give a long and fruitful life, to continue helping and motivating others to commit to eliminating all social injustices. Gracias, Thank You, Anselmo Fonseca Co Founder and VP Pacientes de SIDA pro Politica Sana

DEEVA, HIGHLAND PK., 2009-07-23 12:19:39
IT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES.AS AN BLACK HIV+ OLDER BLACK HETEROSEXUAL WOMAN,HIS PASSIONATE SPEECH MADE ME PROUD AS MY STATUS DOES NOT OFTEN DO SO USUALLY I FEEL SHAME,GUILTY,DISENFRANCHISED,AND SUCH I PRAY THE POWERS THAT BE HEED HIS RECOMMENDATIONS AND THAT THIS WILL NOT ONLY BE POLICY FOR NY BUT ON A NATIONAL LEVEL.I LIVE IN NJ BUT WISH I WAS ONE OF HIS CONSTITUENTS TOUCHE TOM WAY TO GO!

Michael-Bruce, Riegelsville, PA, 2009-07-21 14:22:11
Tom Duane is a hero. He's one of the few people with the courage of conviction who truly embodies the term "public servant". He's an example for all politicians to emulate. Representing the constituents who need help; giving a voice to the underserved. A true role model.

Kirk, Dallas, 2009-07-21 13:32:00
I am thankful for the passion Sen. Duane brings to the fight for human rights. His anger, love, and dedication was felt, appreciated, and welcomed. Thank you for sharing this powerful activist's plea.

RVP, Brooklyn, New York, 2009-07-21 11:01:37
Bravo, Tom! It is unfortunate that he had to make such an impassioned speech to "our representatives." It's amazing how legislation usually has little to do with "common" sense or human decency.

JW, New York, NY, 2009-07-17 21:26:44
That's MY New York state representative! I'm very proud of him, and very grateful to him. Go Tom!