CALIBER

Inside Golden Gate Park is a beautiful, serene secret. It’s the National AIDS Memorial Grove, a sanctuary and quiet place near the lawn bowling and the tennis courts. I’ve talked to a few people who had never realized it was there. I found it myself on accident.

The Grove was reclaimed from the worst type of homeless encampment in a forgotten and sunken place in Golden Gate Park. Loyal volunteers and years of hard work have turned this area into a place of peace and rest to remember those who have passed and those who remain.

Today is World AIDS Day. Long story short, through my photography, I’ve made the acquaintance of two wonderful men whose personal stories once again made me realize that no matter who or where we come from, our common humanity is what we need to treasure most. One story is here, the other one will come someday. In the meantime, I’ll be joining them in the park as part of the Grove’s ceremony. If you want to learn more about the AIDS Memorial Grove, how it started and how you might become part of the story, click here.