Louis

Hometown: Birmingham. Alabama
Positive Since: December 20, 1985
Relationship Status: Single
Age: 60
Favorite Vacation Spots: Mexico & South America

I was born August 1, 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama, which makes me a double Leo with a Gemini Moon. In the early 50’s, my parents migrated to Southern California – more specifically South Central Los Angeles – where I spent most of my childhood. I was eventually to become the oldest of four children. My sister and I were the closest in age; my younger two brothers were born almost 16 and 20 years later, respectively.

I was definitely a product of the 60’s and after high school and some college, I spent most of my life doing what most “Flower Children” did during those times. Even though I was still closeted, it was a great time to be part of the sexual revolution and involved in the requisite sex, drugs and rock and roll.

By the time the 70’s rolled around, the disco scene was beginning to take root. Towards the end of the 70’s, I found myself in a U-Haul with someone else's furniture, a dog, cat, and my best bud at the time (who’s furniture it was) headed for New York City. It was the dead of winter. Being 3,000 miles from home gave me what I perceived to be my freedom to totally be out and express myself sexually.

Around 1983-84, the “Gay Plague” hit the city. Overnight things seemed to change. I remember the fear that we all had at the time. I remember when one of my friends became ill and drank from a glass I had been drinking from and how reluctant I was to drink again from the same glass. It seemed to me that many of my friends in those early days were leaving big cities like L.A. and New York, and going back to their hometowns to die. I too returned home back home to L.A.

The fear and panic at the time was so pervasive that many gay men, including myself, considered making serious lifestyle changes. The “sexual revolution” was dead. Getting sober was a big part – and probably the primary part – of that lifestyle change for me. Around 1985-86, against the advice of all my friends, I decided to be tested. I remember it was right before Christmas and my doctor called and left a message on my answering machine, “Yes, Mr. Dixon I’m afraid you were right - your test came back positive. Have a nice holiday.”