Austin
"Wise Words", Zoe L
"Here and Queer", Caitlyn C
"Rooms", Clare F
"To Be Freed", Edie Y.
My Story
Meet Austin!
Austin shares some themes of his life
Austin discusses his autobiographical one-person show, Becoming Austin Nation
The intersection and overlap of Art, Performance, and Nursing
Austin shares how his identity remained mostly unspoken, rather than a traditional “coming out”
Things that bring joy
Austin shares about his recovery journey
Words to live by
Austin shares about practicing the performance art of drag and his drag persona - A’freeka Nature
Loved Ones
Early experiences of love
Austin shares this history of an important relationship
Platonic life partnership and looking for loving partnership
What has been learned about love
Austin shares his philosophies and standards he holds for his relationships
Thoughts about care when someone you love is sick, and the importance of showing up
Living through the AIDS Crisis
Challenges
Experiences of living with a terminal diagnosis
A calling to share the story of living with AIDS as a Black, Queer man
Ways that Austin moved through the biggest challenges in his life
In response to the question, “What is the best way to develop resilience?”
The importance of having support and community with those who have shared experiences
Austin talks about his BFF, Vern, who he credits with helping him face and get through adversity
Accomplishments
Austin shares the things he is most proud of
Exploring ideas about “Life’s Work”
Living life from a perspective of facing mortality and the importance of how we spend our time
Thoughts on living a happy and meaningful life
Zest for life due to an awareness of having limited time
Regrets, Fears, & Forgiveness
In response to the question, “If you could have done one thing differently in life, what would that be?”
Advice that Austin would give to his 16 year old self with the wisdom and knowledge he has now
Living with fear of dying related to an HIV diagnosis
The evolution of fear from living with HIV for several decades and now facing health related changes from aging
Reflections on forgiveness and acceptance
Values
Views on Spirituality, Religion, and how Austin has redefined his relationship to his higher power
Finding safety in church or a spiritual community for LGBTQ+ people
Letting dreams lead the way on a journey of learning to trust oneself
Austin shares his top 3 core values
Things Austin practices daily