GAZETTE Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian News

Story and photos by Dale Johnston
Bells, commissioned by donations in memory of an individual or a group of individuals, are rung in memory of those who have been affected by the AIDS crisis since the ailment was first identified in 1981. Terry McGuire is the founder of the AIDS Memorial Bells, and has also been Executive Director for the AIDS Partnership for the past three years. In 2000, the idea for the AIDS Memorial Bells arose out of McGuire's work as a VISTA volunteer to ACP (AIDS Coalition Pinellas, now part of the ASAP organization). Local churches were asked to toll their church bells to close a Prayer Breakfast benefit for those living with AIDS and those who have lost the battle with the disease. "After two or three years of that . . . I told my partner, "This is ridiculous! We need our OWN bells."

The idea of the annual AIDS Bells ceremony seemed to take on a life of its own after the idea was conceived. Terry reflects, "To begin with, I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this. The IRS was very helpful with paperwork, and somehow every piece has just fallen into place since then. This fully-portable exhibit event has grown into a solemn memorial, reminding us that despite recent developments in pharmaceuticals and advances in medical treatment, the AIDS crisis is not over. Millions worldwide continue to suffer from the disease, and nearly all of us have known someone personally who has fallen from the disease.

"I knew that we would need a large bell; probably a G4 [the musical note], and consulted with several manufacturers. Malmark now makes our bells for us, and they even agreed to attach the red ribbon in the handle. They were very excited about what we were doing, although we were not given the bells. We have had to pay what everyone else pays for the bells. We then looked around for case manufactures and found American Plastics who made the bell casings so that the bells appear to be floating in air when you see them"

Through the efforts of sponsors, a bell exists for each year the AIDS crisis has continued, since 1981 when the term "AIDS" was first coined. Usually, bells are commissioned through donations in the name of an individual who suffered from the disease. The 2006 bell will mark the 26th year that AIDS continues to impact the lives of millions of individuals.

Lorraine Langlois, Executive Director of the Metro Center in St. Petersburg (Metropolitan Charities) since 1993, has wanted to sponsor a bell for many years. "I think it's a good organization. It's very grass roots and I think that the folks there have done well. It's about us remembering what we're all about and where we came from. Often we get caught up in the business part of services we provide, and this is a nice reminder to be supportive of those in the community." Although the 2006 bell has been commissioned by Metropolitan Charities, McGuire said at the AIDS Bells ceremony on May 15, "The 2006 bell will not be made until January. We hope that it will not be necessary but the reality is that it will likely be made."

Langlois went on to say, "In some ways it's very sad and somber, but it's also a nice reminder of the thousands we have helped through our organizations; the same as when we donated a tree to The King of Peace [church] in honor and remembrance of our clients and staff."

The theme for this year's candlelight vigil was "Renewing our commitment and remembering the cause." Panels for the national AIDS quilt were unveiled at the May 15 ceremony. McGuire said, "It's been over 10 years since we've had a community panel so each agency [in the region] was asked to make a 2'-by-2' panel for their own organization or ministry, and a community panel will be made representing all of the agencies." It is hoped that the panels will be taken to Washington, D.C. for inclusion into the national quilt in 2007 or 2008.

For more information on local AIDS resources, charities, and volunteer opportunities, go to www.aidspartnershipinc.org. For information on future AIDS Bells ceremonies, click here.

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