Douthwaite, Greg

Remembering Greg on World AIDS Day 2010. I first spotted Greg behind the bar at The Stud in 1986, then struck up a friendship with him soon after because we both were contributing writers for the Bay Area Reporter. Our occasional dinners at La Med and lunches at the Caf?lore were always a delight. He was bright, droll and handsome ... and a bit bashful and mysterious when he wasn't playing his bartender role. I miss him to this day.

World AIDS Day 2012/ I met Greg in the middle of Market Street in 1988 during an AIDS demo against one of the California propositions meant to discriminate against people living with HIV. He had a crazy smile, an easy way about him and though shy, was unable to withstand my aggressive take no prisoner's come on in stride. The rest was history as I refused to leave his side for fear of never seeing him again. He had a magical quality that was tempered with intelligence and good dash of mischief. We rode around on his motorcycle, read in cafes, kissed below the Golden Gate Bridge and traded war stories about working in bars. He was a fantastic writer, conversationalist and keeper of secrets. When he became terribly ill I had the honor of being one of his caretakers. He loved to have the NY Times read to him. He is always with me. It's funny how someone can worm their way into your soul in just a brief span of time. He left me his 1970's, black and yellow, motocross leather pants that I still have and cherish to this day. I miss you Greg, but, you're not forgotten. (3