| Gay rights lobby group the Human
Rights Campaign has announced that Chuck Panozzo, bass player and founding
member of the immensely popular rock group Styx, has elected to go public
about his sexuality and HIV status. Panozzo, who will become the HRC
spokesperson for the group's National Coming Out Project, tested positive
for HIV in 1991 and was diagnosed with advanced AIDS in 1999. Two years of
aggressive therapy and the passing of a longtime friend from AIDS were
factors in convincing Panozzo to finally live as an openly gay man.
"Coming out has touched my life in so many positive ways and really has
set my spirit free," claims Panozzo, who adds, "I've lived in Chicago my
entire life, but speaking to my gay brothers and sisters about coming out
means I am finally home." Out lesbian Candace Gingrich, who serves as
HRC's National Coming Out Project manager, says, "We are pleased to have
Chuck as a spokesperson and think he will reach a lot of people with his
inspirational and hopeful message.... We think he will have a significant
impact on those who are still struggling with coming out." National Coming
Out Day is October 11. |
