home to Palo Alto High School online
journalism
Playing Positive: Gene Dermody
posted June 9, 2010
by Hana Kajimura of Viking
Photo used with permission of Gene Dermody
Gene Dermody of
San Francisco, wrestled at New York University in the late 60’s. Dermody is a
leader of the Golden Gate Wrestling Club, and has coached many high school
athletes. Dermody is currently a finalist for the Tom Waddell Award, which
recognizes one man and one woman who have made outstanding contributions to the
Gay Games and worldwide LGBT sport and culture.
“Many friends were
being diagnosed with all kinds of maladies,” Dermody said. “I lived through it
all, took care of dozens of guys who died the most horrendous deaths, and
witnessed many ‘suicide parties’. I lost three life partners to AIDS since
1978, and I am still HIV negative. Go figure.”
For Dermody, the
scars of the AIDS epidemic have left him stronger, and instilled in him the
will not only to fight, but to give back.
“I have had a
wonderful, fulfilling, satisfying life, coaching hundreds of wrestlers,”
Dermody said. “I am truly blessed, and I believe it is good karma for me to
give back to my community. I may not have had biological sons, but I have coach
hundreds to achieve their potential.”
The text of this article is licensed
under a standard copyright license. All rights reserved.