Rooftop patio of the SFGLBT Center, SF City Hall dome behind me
On Thursday afternoon I took a long lunch break from class to attend a screening of Welcome To My Path, a documentary by Brady Ralston about his use of crystal meth, HIV diagnosis, family relationships, and path to a better life.
The screening was held at the San Francisco Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Center on Market Street. In attendance were health professionals from the Mayor's Taskforce on Crystal Meth and the Stop Aids Project, along with Brady's friends and family.
The film exposes the daily struggle as Brady tries to put down crystal meth for the last time, again and again. He talks about the culture of hook-ups, dealers, parties and friends: acceptance in the form of sex for the little boy who was called "fag" for years.
One scene took me back to the world that I left behind on July 25th. I had to look away, and almost left the room. The video camera is focused on Brady in front of his computer in a dark room. He is looking for PNP partners on the internet. He has sent pics to two guys, both want him to come over. Brady wavers for what seems like hours over this dilemma. He says that the anticipation just makes him want to touch himself.
I remember this. I remember sitting in front of the computer for hours. Click. Click, Send. Click, Close. Click.
What pained me in watching this scene was recalling the zombie like searching, observing now how rediculous and futile and insatiable the search was, yet at the same time, triggering that primal adrenal instinct, euphoria of the hunt, the doorbell, the fucking, the swirl, the showers, the porn. Rushing back.
In this film, Brady has laid it out there. The footage is real. The smoke he breaths is real. The wrinkles and pallor and sunken temples are real. But also real are his victories: His restored relationships with mom and twin brother. His recent months without crystal. His skills harnessed to help himself and others.
Brady continues to fine-tune the film while seeking sponsorship and distribution. It is a story that hundreds of thousands will relate to, and millions more will be moved by.
I am honored to have been able to spend time with Brady in August and be at this important screening.
On August 8th, Steven Johnson from San Diego wrote to me saying: "I can't think of something more important right now than to scream from the rooftops about how horrible meth is to all our friends."
Let's Talk.
Audience of health professionals, family and friends
Brady Ralston introducing "Welcome To My Path" documentary
Intense story captivates viewers, Brady's mom, Donna, in green
Clapping with love, support, and appreciation
Buddies for Life
"Dump Tina" buttons, all the rage
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