Thanks for visiting my fundraising page and for considering making a donation towards AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run. I will participate in a 5K fundraising walk in Piedmont Park to take an active part in the fight against HIV and AIDS.​

As a 52-year-old educator and long-time advocate for youth, as well as the LGBTQ+ Institute's Executive Director, I'm also a person who tested positive for AIDS in 1999 as a not-so-brave 26-year-old, who has since committed my life's work to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. With each year I'm given, I deepen my commitment to advocating for youth, aware that supportive community, mental health support, and programming where young people learn how they can create change in their communities, all help to fight HIV stigma and empower young people to make good decisions about their sexual health and wellness. 

Data from the CDC suggests that LGBTQ+ youth who have access to supportive environments — including affirming families, schools, and communities — are less likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors that contribute to HIV transmission. The LGBTQ+ Institute is committed to preserving and nurturing such spaces.

As a team, we are here to walk for our friends, neighbors, and loved ones to raise awareness, inspire our community to work together, and ultimately end the epidemic once and for all. We walk to remember those who can no longer walk with us and strive to make a positive change in our city. Though I am just one of nearly 40,000 people in Atlanta living with HIV, every step we take and every donation we receive makes a difference in saving lives.

I am asking for your support with a donation to help me reach my fundraising goal toward Team Institute's overarching goal. Together, we can make an impact in our community and create a better future. 

In hopeful solidarity!

Tim'm