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Announcer
Paul Tosi has come to the library at his old university to hunt for anything that could help him get in touch with gay student activist Wayne April. I'm Bill Ross. - Paul Tosi. -
Announcer
Eventually, the archives offer up a potential lead. -
Bill
This is from '73, '74. That's Wayne April. That's the first time I've seen a picture in quite a while, and just increases my desire to meet him again. Actually, a few years ago, there was an article in the New Hampshire magazine, - Really? that, about the gay movement here on campus. And, let's see. (laughing) -
Announcer
The article features a biography of none other than the GSO founder Paul has been looking for. Wayne April, graduated both energized and exhausted from the gay rights fight. After living in Alaska, prairie helped start a gay community center in Anchorage. He moved to San Francisco just when people were starting to notice an ominous, unnamed disease. He coped by volunteering and eventually running a residence for people living with AIDS. Today April is a social worker living happily in Pasadena with a long-term partner and three dogs. Though his name will forever stand opposite the universities and law books, April holds no grudges. In fact, he donates to the university. "I am glad I did what I did," April says. "I could have been one of those people who lived a false life." (sighing) "Who never lived genuinely. We opened up something that was waiting to be opened up for a long time, and people jumped at the opportunity to express themselves." I think we need to go to Pasadena. -
Announcer
Paul now holds a vital clue to finding the man who helped pave the way for acceptance of gay rights in the early 1970s. Wayne's fearlessness in the face of bigotry not only helped Paul, but many others since. Two of my three kids are gay. Really? - And their lives have not been easy, but they've been a hell of a lot easier because of people like you and Wayne. So, when you meet him, communicate that. I will, thank you very much for sharing that with me. -
Announcer
A search of online records for a Wayne April gives Paul a phone number. Now I'm more anxious than ever to find him, to make good on this commitment to myself, to thank him. Wayne, this is Paul Primo Tosi. I was student body president in 1973, and I wanna get together with you. I have some important things to say to you, so I would appreciate it if you could call me back and we could maybe set a time when we could get together at your convenience. Thank you very much, have a great evening, and I hope to hear from you soon. Wow, I got through. I would totally understand if he didn't wanna pursue this. I mean Wayne's been through a lot, and now the ball's in Wayne's court. I will know soon I'm sure.
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