Dallas resident Donnie Pangburn has written an op-ed piece for The Advocate — the national LGBT mag — about his infamous encounter with A-List Dallas cast member Phillip Willis during a fundraiser for the Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS at Jack’s Backyard back in June. If you’ll recall, Pangburn’s story began as a letter to the editor of Dallas Voice, in which he alleged that Willis, who was selling raffle tickets at the event, referred to people with HIV as “those poor, sad, old people.” In his op-ed for The Advocate — which, interestingly, doesn’t identify Willis or the show by name — Pangburn fills us in on some of his activiities since the controversy broke:
For my part, I’ve created a Facebook page called “How Would You Know?” to help stomp out the stigma of HIV and AIDS and provide education on where to get tested. It’s not going to solve the world’s problems on its own, but my intention is to offer a one-stop shop (if you will) full of facts, stories of encouragement, breaking news, and the list of needs that goes on and on.
I’ve also developed a Youth Community Forum where education will come directly from physicians and vaccine researchers, or others who just want to tell their stories — like I have. I now understand what it means to be “called.” No one chooses their calling: it chooses you. I am just a small-town Kentucky-bred man who is, let’s face it, a nobody. But like any of us can, I come with a voice of passion, a desire for hope, and a fire burning inside me to change the world.
If my one little voice can do all this in less than three months, imagine if everyone spoke up and said “Enough.” What would be the state of the world in reference to HIV and AIDS? Would there be any stigma at all?
Sadly, Pangburn’s new Facebook page, “How Would You Know?,” has far fewer fans (117) than his old one, “Boycott LOGO’s A-List Dallas” (639). But in case you’re wondering, his next Youth Community Forum is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Resource Center Dallas.
While I empathize with Mr. Pangburn, and applaud his education efforts, I think this entire encounter has been blown well out of proportion. The cast member’s comments were unfortunate and hurtful, but I have no reason to believe there was anything behind them other than ignorance. Let’s move on.
Whether it’s complaining that they didn’t get a hug with their burger and fries, or holding onto an ignorant remark for longer than Cher’s farewell tour, there is a contingent in the gay community that likes to cry foul loud and often. Clearly, they will never be ready to move on.
It’s sad to see how Pangburn has allowed this trivial non-incident turn him into into one of those sad, old, poor people with his constant whining on Facebook and embarassingly sad YouTube videos. On the brighter side, I’m sure LOGO would like to thank him for the free publicity. Many of us wouldn’t have known about the A List Dallas until this was blown out of proportion.
It’s not like HIV strikes indiscriminately; you have to engage in certain behavior to contract it. People should learn how to protect themselves. Perhaps if we all spent more time talking about HIV prevention as opposed to some trivial reality show then we would all be better off.
At least the incident has been educational for some…hopefully. With sex-ed not being taught in Texas schools (“abstinence works”, right Perry?) and people being afraid of getting tested, or testing positive for HIV it’s no wonder Dallas County has such a high infection rate. People seem to think if they ignore it, it will go away. Obviously not the case. There are people walking around us every day who are HIV positive, some know their status and others are oblivious. Hopefully with Donnie being so outspoken, it has brought fresh light on a virus that seems to get little attention or is looked at as harmless as the common cold by a younger generation who never attended the funerals of friends who died of AIDS or cared for the sick and dying. More people need to be educated about HIV/AIDS, the prevention, the causes, the treatments, and how to stay healthy and live satisfying lives if they do become HIV+.
AIDS just celebrated it’s 30th birthday and it doesn’t appear to be tiring out anytime soon. Prevention is the best way to slow the progression worldwide, however awareness, treatment and a cure is where the focus should be at present day. Dirty needles (tats or drugs), HIV+ blood reception (rarely ever these days), unsafe sex (most common)…and there are other ways to contract the virus. It doesn’t mean someone lives in an ongoing orgy because they have HIV/AIDS, nor does it mean they are an IV drug user. It does not make them “unclean”. It means, perhaps, their longtime lover/partner was having an affair. Maybe their buddy, the tattoo artist, failed to change out a needle. What if they tried to provide CPR to a bleeding individual not assessing the risks to themselves? It could be that the individual had a one time lapse in judgement that cost them dearly. Would you still look at that person with HIV the same way? Would you still refer to yourself as “clean”? By insinuating you’re HIV- with the word “clean” can only mean you consider someone HIV+ as dirty. Perhaps that’s what the person (I’ll refrain from using the term gentleman) involved with the A-List Dallas was attempting to say with his hurtful words.
There’s so much stigma surrounding this virus that has claimed so many in the GLBT community worldwide as well as innocent children and heterosexuals who saw it as a homosexual disease. There will always be that stigma associated with HIV/AIDS until we begin to realize that we need to educate our friends and families, know your status and work to provide assistance to those organizations that provide necessary medications and health benefits to those in need. One person cannot educate an entire city or state. One person cannot wipe out HIV/AIDS. It will take time and much work on behalf of all those who honestly mean it when they say they care.
To Blaze and Brandon: I’m really sorry you feel the need to say hurtful words about another human being such as myself who is trying to make something good out of a bad situation. However, what saddens me the most is that you (and some others I assume) STILL don’t get it…
Blaze and Brandon…..as a gay man who has been around since the start of the AIDS crisis. In the interest of full disclosure I happen to be HIV-. Regardless, I find your attitudes appalling and flippant. You two are poster children for why we need continued awareness and education.
It’s sad to see that there are still people out there in the world who are not fully knowledgeable about AIDS or HIV, even though there has been a complete “blitzkrieg” of information that is there for the taking. Even though I am a pre-opt, male2female Black Transsexual, I can tell you most honestly that AIDS is no joke — people can still get it, either via needle-sharing or unprotected sex, and young people, no matter what color or race or religion they are or profess to be, are no exception to the rule. It is NOT an “old man’s” disease; as a matter of fact, they are still reporting new cases in parts of Africa. So, the struggle continues and we still have to not just live in “control” of the disease but diligently seek a cure.
Blaze – Wow, you just love to lump folks together in one fell swoop doncha? Donnie is right, you DON’T have a clue what this is about. Why don’t you read what Lil’ Carl wrote after your ignorant comment, perhaps you’ll GET a clue!! Brandon – Obviously you have NO idea what it’s like to live with HIV (and I truly hope you never do), otherwise I can’t imagine you would make yet ANOTHER ignorant comment like that. Please take your bitter and hateful comments somewhere else!
Blaze….burger and fries or a bit different that making idiotic and crude comments about our brothers and sisters with AIDS….And if Willis is refering to the poor, sad old people with HIV, he should know that most have lost several friends and they are happy to be alive today and able to enjoy life. A lot of people have fought very hard to see that less stigma is attached to HIV today. I refuse to believe that someone in 2011 would make such an idiotic statement as Mr. Willis. Someone taking money and representing our city could not be that cold harted. Thanks Donnie Pangburn for your efforts.
As a former crew member of the Lonestar ride, I have always supported the good work they do….as someone who was 7 when HIV and AID where discovered…I have never known a world with out it in my life….I am an HIV – man married to an poz partner so I am well aware of living with the diseases..I know Donnie and support all of his educational efforts….but let’s be honest we are talking about the Alist a reality show for fame seekers and a good sound bite and controversy are what these shows are designed for…..breath deep and move on people
Sounds like a case of the “Streisand Effect”. I never would have even known about the show had it not been for this. Still, he is entitled to his opinion,
What matters here is that someone has stepped up and has taken the lead and given a voice to a problem that apparently many choose not to acknowledge. Does it matter if the “encounter has been blown well out of proportion” or not? I think what matters is that awareness and education is being passed on. And, as someone who has known Donnie for over almost 30 years, I can tell you that he is doing this not to make a name for himself, but to put an end to people being infected unnecessarily. Take this gift that has been given and pass it on.
Blaze & Brandon = SHAME. In case you didnt know. The 20-25 yo age group is spreading HIV at an alarming rate in the U.S. I don’t know how young or old you are, but I do think you need a clue. Listen and learn.
Blaze and Brandon have hit this issue right on the head! It was clear that somebody tried to take revenge on getting his feelings hurt. Boo hoo! Having followed this storey from the beginning, Mr. Pangburn’s initial response was to try cause a lot of drama and all he did was give Logo free advertising. His comments had nothing to do with educating the community in the beginning and it was not till later down the road was he prompted by people that know him to turn it into an educational issue. By his comments regarding this article, ” I’m really sorry you feel the need to say hurtful words about another human being”, it looks like he is still trying to play the role of a victim. My advice would be to drop this entire usless act and focus on education, and not in the role of a leader, but in the role of a servant… That would be a good example of truely caring about educating the community…
Let me just correct “Annoyed by Whiners:” If you had followed this from the beginning you would have seen in the initial letter: “Please know that regardless of how this hurts me personally or how angry I am, this is not about me. This is about the increasing number of men between the ages of 18 and 25 who are contracting HIV in our community. According to my doctor, it is spreading like wildfire. Something needs to be done.
If my letters, conversations and emails prevent just one person from contracting HIV, then I’ve done my job.” That is from my first letter…
And as far as me being a “servant” and not a “leader” I have been actively volunteering for HIV/AIDS organizations for the past 15 years in Cincinnati, Memphis, Atlanta, and here at the Resource Center Dallas. While I appreciate your feedback, it’s completely false.
Mr. Pangburn, please keep up the good work. I commend you for bringing awareness. Ignorance is not always bliss, especially when it comes to this.
To Annoyed by the Whiners: GET A FREAKIN CLUE!! You must be another of these individuals getting on the “let’s not talk about HIV and it will go away” bandwagon. Guess what? IT’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE! Donnie isn’t “whining”, he just got sick of clueless individuals like you dismissing HIV as no big thing, because trust me, IT IS! Your attitude, along with others like “Blaze” and “Brandon”, are the very reason why there is so much apathy about HIV today! You just don’t get it, and it’s sadly obvious you won’t until you are directly or indirectly affected by it.
Oh good lord, this again?
Alight, I applaud the work of the Lone Star Ride, and those involved with it but let’s keep a few things in mind about this whole situation.
1.This took place at a fundraiser. A fundraiser for people with HIV/AIDS and the organizations that help support them. Should the douche bag have been a little more careful in selecting his words? Absolutely! Was he necessarily incorrect? No. Was he intentionally trying to berate the lot of us? Chances are no. how many well funded and adequately insured people are lining up for help at the organizations/charities that this fundraiser supports? The probability that they are underfunded individuals is pretty high. So “poor” is a poor choice of words, but at least slightly correct. Also, let’s keep in mind that poor is not necessarily indicative of the financial status, but often a word people use to express feelings of sorrow or empathy for someone else. “Hey, did you hear Bob got hit by a bus? That poor man.” That’s not to say that Bob was hit by a bus because he was poor.
2. Sad: Is it sad? Sure is. It’s sad as a whole when anyone contracts this virus. Am I sad that I have to rely on various organizations because I am underfunded and cannot do it myself? You bet I am. Am I sad for anyone in that situation? Absolutely! Let’s also not that a very high percentage of people with HIV/AIDS also suffer from depression. So “sad” not necessarily incorrect.
3. Old. Well, I don’t have anything to say about that, but it’s lame to be offended by that, or to insinuate that he was stating that all people with HIV/AIDS are old, and that he needs to be schooled on the subject.
I won’t even argue that words hurt; we all know they do but I 100% agree that the situation as a whole has been blown way out of proportion, and things taken out of context. Mr. Pageburn lost me with his attempt to school the young douche bag while at the fundraiser and his crusade against him as an individual. Letter writing campaigns to every celebrity and news organization in the book, which I’m nearly certain still attempt to call out the cast member as an individual and his demands for apologies from everyone and the immediate removal of this cast member from the A-List train wreck do seem a bit more of an obsessive vendetta against a person who hurt his feelings rather than an attempt to educate the masses about prevention. If you browse the Boycott group on FB his paranoia is obvious in his constant posts about comments being removed and put back onto random message boards suggesting that they were removed, he posted somewhere else about the removal and then poof they’re back. There is no conspiracy Mr. Pageburn, but frankly if I had a website I would probably start blocking you too. I am also curious as to how many of the frightening number of emails and letters to celebrities, politicians, and news outlets were actually responded to, and if they were, was it a form letter? Should it be belived that they fell upon the eyes and ears of uncaring individuals, or that they were not responded to because they are clearly the writings of a possibly well meaning but frighteningly obsessive man with a chip on his shoulder and that it seems to have little to do with “education”
I fully support any efforts to remind people about the reality of HIV/AIDS, but I would whole heartedly disagree with anyone that said that’s what this is about.
Ryan you have become my new favorite person. I have seen the FB page of Mr. Pageburn is desperate for something more than just educating the masses on HIV/AIDS..
Add one more thing to the obsessive list. If you check out the A-List FB page he has posted the same plug for his Advocate spot on nearly every discussion there, he’s right though. I can’t imagine why any board would block his posts.
While I appreciate feedback (positive or negative), let me once again explain the purpose of this as a few of you are still missing the boat (Ryan, it’s kind of like having to post something more than once if you catch my drift…you have to keep saying it until it sinks in). First off, I really don’t enjoy addressing these because the negative comments seem to attack the person and not the act. If you choose to attack me because you don’t like me, well I can’t help you on the one, but just make sure you take a close look as to your purpose for your posts. My ONLY intention, let me say this again: My ONLY intention was to stand up and say comments like those are unacceptable, and when my physician tells me that HIV is on the rise among our youth, something needs to be done. I have taken this experience and built a website to provide education on HIV. I’ve taken this experience and have spoken to YouthFirst Texas about HIV. I have taken this experience to build a Youth Community Forum to educate our youth and everyone else that something is being lost in translation. The correct information is not being circulated about this disease. I could have went on about my night back in June and said nothing…but I didn’t. I had had enough. I live with this disease every day of my life both physically and emotionally and for those who attack me personally for me trying to take a bad situation and make something good out of it…well I suppose you’ll just have to deal with the Karma wheel when it spins around for your turn. And as far as “plugging” or being “obsessive” or however you put it…YES, I am being obsessive and yes I am plugging something so listen very closely: OUR YOUTH IS CONTRACTING HIV! OUR YOUTH ARE KILLING THEMSELVES BECAUSE THEY DON’T THINK THEY HAVE ANYWHERE OR ANYONE TO TURN TO BECAUSE THEY ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 25 AND CANNOT GRASP THE NEWS THAT THEY HAVE CONTRACTED THIS VIRUS! And I have said this before, in 3 months time if I can fire up a community, imagine if EVERYONE got fired up!(which is why I continue to post the articles…read them closely…it’s to show you that if one voice can make a difference, imagine if all of you used your voice…look at the big picture here; take me as a human being out of the equation and look at the act and look what we can do if we put our heart and soul into something). I challenge you to take your negative energy towards me and do something positive with it. Volunteer at the Resource Center, go help out at the Hillcrest House, go assist at the Food Pantry, work at a youth suicide hotline…just do something other than bashing me for attempting to educate our community about this disease, for trying to end the stigmas that surround HIV/AIDS that I and so many others have to deal with on a regular basis. All I ask is that you do something because your harsh remarks, your attacks…all they are doing is fueling my fire to do even more-to fight harder…so JOIN me in this fight to educate and hopefully and ultimately save lives instead of bashing the messenger…
Well…I can’t hold my tongue anymore. So far the only true educational and heartfelt message that I have seen in this comment section is from Lil Carl. I would think if Mr. Pangburn’s objective was truly education and HIV activism that it would be similar messages to Lil Carl’s we hear in reference to his efforts. So far I’ve only known him as the guy trying to get A-List: Dallas boycotted; not an up and coming HIV activist.
I don’t really prefer to be rude, but the truth is the truth. Donnie, you have hijacked the cause of HIV education and used it to satisfy your own need for the spotlight. Your message and actions do not appear to be motivated by a genuine need to educate and correct the ignorance behind Mr. Willis’ comment; but more to attack him, the show and Logo in an obsessive and personal way that has more to do with your hurt feelings and less to do with genuine HIV education, prevention and support efforts. No one likes their feelings hurt and I can understand your anger. But at this point, I have seen no true effort on your part that shows support for your mission that is not dominated by a fixation on the comments of one ignorant person. He’s a kid. He doesn’t understand and I hope he never has to understand the way that too many of us do; whether it’s by living with HIV or burying a close friend or friends who developed AIDS.
It’s time to stop crucifying him and to start to try to engage in a true effort to educate him and others like him. This campaign reads more like the efforts of a spurned teenage girl versus the actions of a dedicated educator and activist. Only you can change that.
To Donnie – Do not let these HATERS sway you from what you are doing. Obviously “Ryan” and “Amen” don’t want to face the reality of what HIV/AIDS is all about, otherwise I can’t imagine them making such PINHEADED statements! It’s also obvious neither of them has done ANYTHING for their community. Donnie, you can hold your head high knowing what you are doing is the right thing. The HIV/AIDS Youth Community Forum is first, BEST thing I’ve seen happen in this city for a long time. I know I’ll be there!!
Marc – Read Donnie’s response, just above yours. If after reading it you still feel like he is trying to serve his own personal interests, then I guess you will just never get it. Better yet, why don’t you come on down to Youth First Texas on Tuesday evening for the HIV/AIDS forum? That way, you can actually MEET Donnie and see first hand for yourself what he is trying to accomplish. I think that will be a lot more productive that hiding behind a keyboard and spewing negative energy, don’t you?
Marc: First, me wanting to be in the spotlight is the most ridiculous comment to date…ask anyone who really knows me. Second of all, did you not read comment #22? Third: You state: “I have seen no true effort on your part that shows support for your mission that is not dominated by a fixation on the comments of one ignorant person.” I have been actively involved with volunteering with HIV organizations for the past 15 years, which is LONG before this incident ever happened. And for the record, the Advocate article doesn’t even mention Phillip or the show at all, because that’s not the issue. Is building an education website, speaking to Youthfirst Texas about HIV, and creating a Youth Community Forum not enough for you? Is that not showing support for my mission as you put it? And I just have to ask, what have you been doing the past 15 years? Please get your facts straight before making such remarks that are not only borderline comical, but are completely false.
I could care less if it is two drunks arguing in a bar, a snippy comment at a fundraiser or the face of God on a grilled cheese sandwich that motivates anyone to educate our youth I’m just glad that they have accepted the calling. Kudos to all that have moved forward in any effort to strenghthen our community and especially those who choose to work with the youth. Unfortunatley I have come to believe that there are two kinds of activist in this day and age, those who show up to all the “fundraisers” first in line at the open bar and minimally educated on HIV and those who chose to work, the ones who stand up in front of a room of kids and tell the truth, those who work for minimal pay testing, educating and supporting.
Folks: With Crystal Meth on the rise and young people being brainwashed that “oh geez, all I need to do is take a pill in case I contract HIV”, let those young people have a taste of what it was like in the 80’s. Such young people have no knowledge of the discrimination, hate and other ramification we still alive had to walk through. With federal funding at an all time low, with information made avaialble at every sex club and other venues, let the ignorant or illusioned contract HIV and see how “their” lives are impacted. History tends to repeat itself, Donnie is doing a good thing to make the unconscious conscious at least on one element of life. Personally, we are all at choice, so if such people prefer to attract HIV, in a declining eonomy, where by the Gov’t has already paid to inform & will no longer pay the full bill, let the unconscious get what they choose. For the unconscious: when the free clinics & meds are no longer provided, your stuck without a job, then you will know what the 80’s were like, not to mention the loss of your friends which may be the only family that would have been there to help you out.
Donnie, you are doing amazing things for our community and I want to say thank you for all your efforts. It’s clear to me from reading some of these comments, that many of our Dallas gays are shallow and self serving idiots who will most likely idolize the stereotypes promoted by the A-List Dallas. They are the real “sad, poor people”.
Let’s all not be age-ist. According to Donnie Pangburn himself, he contacted the virus 6 years ago in 2005. He was 35 years old.. With plenty of HIV/AIDS education available. ALL gay men should no their status, so let’s not attack all young gay men.
It’s very clear that Donnie has a scary obsession with attaching his name to a silly reality show.. But at least people are talking.
At 50 yrs. old & as a members of numerous HIV/AIDS groups, I can tell gay Dallas that u do NOT know as much about HIV/AIDS as u think u do. The war against HIV/AIDS is not over & won’t be until there is a cure. The meds are still extremely expensive & still come with some of those “wonderful” side affects. HIV/AIDS still isolates people, makes them feel dirty, unwanted, ashamed, unloved, afraid, uncertain, embarrassed, etc. I should know, I have gone through that for many years until I got tired of it & decided to get off my butt & get involved in the fight. I donated money & food to the Resource Center’s Food Panrty, volunteered at the Resource Center, particapted in numerious AIDS Lifewalks, spoke infront of thousands of people educating them about HIV/AIDS…and still do! Until there is a CURE for HIV/AIDS U & I are still in a life & death struggle against HIV/AIDS. Don’t believe me? We’ll see how u feel when u test positive on your next HIV test. Sooner or later u will get involved ih the fight agaist HIV/AIDS, either as a HIV- person or as a HIV+ one. THE CHOICE IS YOURS!
Oh yes, I can’t tell you how many hundreds of gay men I’ve encountered (of all ages) who are CLUELESS about HIV/AIDS! They don’t know anything about safe sex & they think barebacking is “no big deal”…until they test positive for HIV! Then it’s not so funny anymore. Having to tell your loved ones, family, friends, partner & co-workers u r positive is a devasting experience for everyone. It changes your life forever. DO NOT think u know half what u think u do about HIV/AIDS or the organizations that provide support & assistance to those infected & affected be HIV/AIDS. DO NOT FORGET THE PAST! Millions have died because they did not have the luxury of having access to the meds. & care that we so casually enjoy today. Ending thought here: If u just became HIV+ & needed meds, assistance, counciling, support, etc, & there was no Resource Center, AIDS ARMS, AIDS Interfaith, Amilia Court, Cathedral of Hope, what would u do? Where would u go? Something to think about.
Dear Keep It Real: I know a 48 year old that became HIV + two years ago because crystal meth took over his decision making process. As fof “the young” you are thinking we are outing, change the age thing to people in general …. althought these Youngings have no idea what we walked thru during the 80’s / Regan years, Donnnie is providng a service toa ll (not just the young). Keep it real man, maybe your next but due to this blogging / info, you may reinforce your knowledge about this tragic, expensive, time consuming, , etc disease
I would not use YoutFirst Texas as a basis to help make any of this “stronger”. If you do some research, you will find that YouthFirst Texas is no longer a legal corporation as they have failed to file the required annual corporation documents with the State of Texas. They also no longer have a registered agent as the one listed with the Texas SOS records has not been part of the corporation in over 8 months and 90 of the directors listed are also no longer part of the YouthFirst Texas corporation. They also habit of not following their own bylaws. All of this is fact and anyone can verify it with the Texas Secretary of State’s office or website. The corporation file number is 155926101. Be careful what organiazations you support and who you give money too… Make sure they are legit and that there are checks and balances in place. Dallas really needs a watchdog group set up to monitor the non-profits!
90% of the directos that is…
I know Donnie personally and would like to clarify a few things.
1. Donnie does not crave the spotlight. Never has. And it is a testament to how deeply moved he was by this incident that he has taken the heat that comes with the spotlight. It’s not easy when your wake up call throws you into the fire.
2. Whiners don’t usually end up transforming their personal distress into a positive action. How many of us can claim we have done the same thing. Instead of just bitching and whining Donnie has decided to do something about the ignorance around HIV/AIDS that was the root of his initial anger. What have YOU done lately?
3. There is really a wide spread ignorance about this disease and those who live with it 30 YEARS AFTER WE IDENTIFIED THE VIRUS. 3 DECADES AND WE ARE STILL COLLECTIVELY IGNORANT. Donnie woke up to this in a very personal way and was brave enough to ACT against this ignorance. As he has said, if we all did just a little bit of educating we would all be saving lives.
I am personally grateful to Donnie for not shying away from the dim reality on the ground. He as turned what could have been a pity party into a far reaching positive action. Have you?
Annoyed – Well, I have to say that is a CLASSIC deflection technique! What do your allegations of improper activities at Youth First have to do with this particular situation? Now I KNOW you are using this comment thread for YOUR own personal gain, since it’s obvious that you have an axe to grind with Youth First. Please, do us all a favor and take your axe and bad attitude and just GO AWAY.
My comment has nothing to do with deflection or “axes to grind” . I just find it humorous that the originator of this article is trying to align himself with a local non-profit group to give himself some credibility. I have never been a part of Youth First Texas nor have I ever had a desire to. I just invesitgate any non-profit group before I do anything to support them with my time or finances. I want to ensure that they are handling their money properly and that they are functioning in an honest and legitimate manner. The information that I posted above, which is of public record in which anyone can find by contacting the Texas SOS, are the results of my background check into Youth First Texas. Anyone that donates to a non-profit group without first verifying their credentials and legal status would be acting in a foolish manner. Would you be willing to donante to a group that has no checks and balances nor is legal per state requirements? If they were to bring their organization up to date and be in alignment with all state required regulations, then I would be more than happy to support them. YFT is not the first non-profit organization in Dallas that I have discoved that are not operating within the guidlines of the requirements of the State of Texas. Here I am being accused of having a bad attitude of exposing the truth and stating that I am doing it for personal gain. Would you care to explain what personal gain I am getting out of exposing the truth? Weh nyou attack somebody, make sure you have all your facts first…
Annoyed – The personal gain you are getting is that your comments are being published on the World Wide Web. Nice and convenient isn’t it? I have a suggestion for you. Rather than sit anonymously behind your keyboard and make yourself out to be such an expert with regards to how a non-profit should operate, why don’t you just go directly to the non-profit and talk to them? I’d be willing to bet you really don’t have any clue about how Youth First operates and that you are simply going by information on a government website (which, by the way, did you ever stop to think that perhaps the information on the website isn’t ACCURATE??). Once again, I will say, this thread is NOT about Youth First, it never was. You attempted to deflect the purpose of this thread and I won’t stand by and let you get away with it. What Donnie is doing is too important to let someone like you try to hijack it! Stay on point or STAY AWAY!
OH, and for the record, I actually do happen to have my facts in line as I have WORKED with the folks from Youth First for the last few years now as a member of the Dallas Bears. I personally have seen the good they do for our youth and THAT is what is important.
Steve, you may want to see a doctor about your delusions because you are so far off target that it is not even funny. Oh, and regarding the website being accurate, I did verify it with the Texas SOS’s office. On a side note, you can also check with the IRS to see if they have filed their annual forms also. You might be surprised. And your comment that you “wont just stand by and let me get away with it”? How nobel of you. Instead of your grandstanding, why don’t you just go to WFT and ask them why they have not kept up their records or filed their paperwork, or better yet, why don’t you file the paperwork for them and pay for the filings. Regarding your comment that I really don’t have a clue about how non-profits is also a pretty stupid statement as I have been involved with non profits and many levels for many, many years and I just don’t care to waste my time dealing with the unorganized ones as I have much more impotant things to do. I pointed out the fact they they are in default regarding their state and federal filings, yet all you want to do is attack the messenger instead of dealing with the real issue which is the fact theat what I have posted is correct. I am done dealing with this nonsence. You can post as many messages as you wish and attack me as much as you want. None of which will do anything to correct the real problem, which is a faulty non-profit corporation. Have a good night.
LOLOLOLOLOLOL. I’m sorry Annoyed, but you have gone beyond being ridiculous. I get the impression by your posts that you really don’t like being taken to task, do you? This was never meant to be a personal attack and if you took it that way, then I do apologize. I’ve been called a lot of things over the years, but never “stupid” and “delusional”. Grandstanding? Hardly. I just saw someone attempt to hijack the efforts of Donnie Pangburn regarding HIV/AIDS education and I acted upon it. You continue to bash Youth First Texas when the overall subject of this thread was never about Youth First Texas. You have obviously never BEEN to Youth First Texas’ facilities, otherwise you would see they are FAR from unorganized and that they truly CARE about our GLBT youth. Once again I say to you, since this is such an important issue to you, GO DIRECTLY TO YOUTH FIRST and let them know! I have a strong feeling you won’t, simply because you apparently feel more confident bashing them from behind a keyboard. I am also finished with YOUR nonsense. Enjoy your Pride weekend!
HIV/AIDS is probably one of the most overrated and over funded diseases out there. It affects a small portion of our population compared to other diseases and is AQUIRED which means you have to do something (presumably by having unprotected sex) to obtain it. Just because some HIV positive person’s feelings were hurt by one man’s comments (which weren’t even that bad) he has to go and email everyone in the galaxy. Maybe if he wasn’t so consumed with self pity that anger and those tears running down his face wouldn’t of occurred and he would of focused more on the fact that this young man that offended him so badly was actually there doing a fundraiser for the very benefit of someone LIKE HIM.
Very well said JD! Thank you! It’s all about somebody’s feelings getting hurt and it had nothing to do with pushing education!
JD & Annoyed by the Whiners. Are either of you gay or HIV+? Are u on drugs for denial? What planet do u live on? Are you human? Have either of u ever participated in any type of HIV/AIDS fundraisers/awareness events? U are both ignorant of HIV/AIDS beyond belief. The entire purpose of what Donnie is trying to do is to reach out to the youth of our community who know very little about HIV/AIDS. The only way they will ever know the dangers about HIV/AIDS is if WE teach them. What have either of you EVER done to educate others about HIV/AIDS? Have either of u ever lost anyone to this disease? Have you? Do either of u even know Donnie??? I have an idea, why don’t we all get together at Club Dallas & have an open discussion about this! You two clearly don’t care about how HIV/AIDS affects your community or whom it kills…even children. Let me know when either of u host an events like Donnie’s. I’m waiting by the phone guys…
Gardner – I’m afraid you are wasting your time with these two pinheads. JD is obviously CLUELESS about HIV and not interested in getting educated. Annoyed has a personal vendetta against Youth First Texas and can’t be bothered with what this thread is actually about. Save your energies for what REALLY matters and that’s getting the word out to our youth. People like Donnie will be leading the way in getting the next generation ready to deal with the second wave of AIDS cases (and trust me, it IS coming) that will be developing very soon!
I have dealt with Mr Pangburn. I believe he is a famewhore. His facebook page is disgusting. All he does is dole on and on about Kabbala and Karma – things that he really knows nothing about save the fact that he forces his “audience” to swallow – no pun intended, his beliefs. The only reason why Donnie vomits this garbage is because his little idol MADonna is a Kabbalist. He is a male version of Lady Gaga. Imitation may be the highest form of flattery but it grows old quick. Same old song and dance. Smoke and mirrors aside there is nothing really original. Donnie, why did you move from Dallas? I think you were run out after your little crocodile tears episode. You got your little feelings hurt and now you want the whole world to listen over and over again to your little swan song. You care nothing for the youth or those who are ill. You only care about the fact that you got told. You are a drama queen of the lowest caliber. You blocked me on facebook after I expressed an opinion of the feud between MADonna and Elton John. You are a hypocrite of the worst kind. You bash people in the dirt but you cant take a little heat or respect the opinions of others. You are a low minded small town bigot and there you should remain. Far out of the spotlight because you have neither the intelligence nor the fortitude to deal with matters far removed from your tiny brain. Karmic or otherwise. I do not see how in the world you have any followers or friends at all. How on earth is it possible to deal with your dime store philosophies on life? What are you? Jesus? Keep your little feelings and opinions to the big boyz and just go away. No one cares what you have to say. Grow up and quit crying like a 100 pound twink who broke a nail when he tried to exercise and grow a pair. But mainly just go away.