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Documentary remembers AIDS activist
Local AIDS activist Guy Nakatani, a graduate of Leigh High School, spent the last few years before his February 1994 death speaking to thousands of students and other groups about AIDS and related issues with hopes that heightened awareness would lead to both better prevention and understanding.
One of those many Bay Area venues was Saratoga High School, where he gave his last address in January 1994. In May of that same year, SHS students and staff planted a Japanese maple tree in Nakatani's honor as part of the school's yearly HIV/AIDS Awareness Week. The ceremony included a talk by Nakatani's father, Al, who also devotes his time to slowing the AIDS epidemic.
Both Al and his wife Jane continue their son's campaign to this day. They founded a nonprofit organization, Honor Thy Children Inc., and worked with Los Gatos author Molly Fumia in her biographical book, also titled Honor Thy Children. The book tells the story of the Nakatani family's struggle against cultural conditioning and denial and their eventual embrace of their sons and resolution of their deaths: both Guy and his brother Glen died of AIDS, and their brother Greg was murdered in San Diego.
On May 19, yet another Honor Thy Children incarnation, in the form of a documentary by Francisco Leon, will air at an advance screening benefit at the Children's Discovery Museum in downtown San Jose. The Nakatanis, along with the film producers, will be in attendance, as will honorary co-hosts 23rd District Assemblyman Michael Honda and former Congressman Norman Mineta. Lorna Ho, a Yahoo! webcaster and former weekend anchor of KNTV NewsChannel 11, will serve as mistress of ceremonies.
During the post-screen reception, Fumia will sign copies of her book. Attendees will also be able to explore the museum and bid in a silent auction. Tickets for the museum, reception and screening are $75. For the museum and reception only, the cost is $50. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. for two screenings. All proceeds benefit Honor Thy Children, Inc. and also will help to complete the documentary. For information, call 408.867.2546 or 408.867.4525.
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
