Episode 0: Pivot & Explore – Reflections after attending the International AIDS Conference AIDS2020VIRTUAL


I had the chance to attend the International AIDS Conference as part of a group of Hoosiers (the Hoosier IAC Scholarship Fund Group) who were delegates representing Indiana and the United States of America. Our collection mission is to end healthcare outcome disparities for Black and Brown peoples in Indiana; to stand for decreasing and eliminating those disparities among other peoples and promote advocacy for healthcare whenever and wherever it is needed by anyone.

On the heels of COVID-19 and the current unrest around racial injustice, I’m trying to figure out how I want to use my time, energy and talents going forward to strengthen my community activism or “artivism” specifically around Ending the HIV Epidemic in Marion County. 

PIVOT

I know I want to continue with #CelebrateUU but I also want to do more. I need to pivot my photography + art studio in response to the new reality of living with masks and social distancing. I will still do photography. But I want to use my experiences around ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) and peer outreach to make a difference in HIV wellness in Marion County.

Explore

Welcome to Episode 0 of a new something. For now, a podcast. Might include some blogging here or at celebrateuu.org. Hopefully will include guests in the future. Could become a vlog but for now, I like podcasts as my medium of expression – subject to change 😉

Action will follow. Under what project or organizational identity is not clear, although I have some ideas. I’m just taking time to allow my mud to settle, for my water to become clear. I’ll be using the next several weeks to have intentional conversations with others to discern what comes next.

Action without vision is only passing time, vision without acting is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world.

– Nelson Mandela
Reflections and Ramblings of a queer White cis-male ex-Christian cajun-born TCK

The HIV statistics I quoted are from various presentations from the Ryan White Planning Council for Marion County. I hope I got them right. If not, I’ll correct them here in the comments.

Thanks for listening to this White queer cis-male ex-Christian cajun-born TCK (not TKC as I mentioned in the podcast – should be TCK Third Culture Kid!)

Sawubona!
C. Todd Fuqua
Community Photographer, Connector & Organizer

PS: Please share your questions, comments, wisecracks. I’d like to hear from you!

Thinking Songs – Getting Inside Your Head


“Get out of your head” – that’s what I’ve been telling myself a lot lately. I’m realizing more and more how much my thoughts affect my feelings, emotions, energy, etc. Although I can’t control my feelings – though that doesn’t stop me from trying – I can pay closer attention, and ask “Why?” Is there a thought or belief that is driving my feelings? More often than not lately, fear is often the cause. And while I may not be able to remove the fear, I can reframe – rethink – and ultimately, change how I feel.

I know it sounds crazy. But it works.

So I’m a lot more intentional about what I choose to focus on. And, I realize the music I listen to can really affect my overall mood and activity levels.

So, when I’m working around the studio, I like to play music. Sometimes, I need to focus. Sometimes I need to be inspired. Other times, I need to feel energized. Sometimes, I want to feel sad. Other times, I need to know there is a reason to remain hopeful. 

So one say, I did a search for Apple Music “thinking songs” under Playlists. And I found a gold mine! I can literally get inside other people’s head – and “try their music” on for size. Some playlists help me think. Others distract me. I discover new music – some I like, some I don’t. And, in getting inside someone else’s head – magically – I find I’m no longer stuck inside mine.

Get inside Gwyneth’s head…

Get inside Jessica’s head…

Get inside Richard’s head….