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.”