I did drugs with three gay men and shared needles with three men that are dead.

For some reason, I’m here.

I think I’m the storyteller. I took me over 15 years of sobriety to get over my survivor’s guilt for being alive … because I did everything that they did. Justify that to a 23 year old.

On Wednesday, Dec. 1, Allen Temple Baptist Church will host its annual World AIDS Day event, to include music, barbecue and education about HIV and AIDS.

The gathering will kick off at 4 p.m. and feature comedian and founder of Lovelife Foundation  Donald Lacy, testimonies from community members and music by the D’Wayne Wiggins’ developed singing group, Poplyfe.

In addition, the Bay Area Regional African-American AIDS State of Emergency Coalition  and Cal-Pep will be on hand to provide information and rapid HIV testing.