As World AIDS Day 2008 approaches, I look back at my experiences as I, along with thousands of others, joined the band Hanson on their quest to “walk around the world” to raise awareness

of AIDS in Africa.

I have been a Hanson fan for over 11 years. Yes, that’s right I said Hanson, as in “MMMBOP” Hanson.

Tragedies are never pleasant to relive. The story of Matthew Shepard, an openly gay Wyoming man who in 1998 was brutally murdered because of his sexual orientation, is no different. When the dust finally settled, Shepard became a global symbol of unity and solidarity for people of all races, religions and sexual preferences.

Lines snaked around the corner and out the door of Rodgers Recreation Center Saturday Nov. 22. There was excited chatter as the queue grew longer and longer to the entrance of the gymnasium. Were the Boston Celtics back in town for one last game on Salve’s courts? Nope.

What happens when you combine an executive transvestite with an action transvestite? You get Eddie Izzard, a stand-up comedian in full make-up, strutting across the stage in high heels, glossy leather pants and a star-studded kimono. His exaggerated faces, hand motions and signature expression-a wide-mouthed confused look with his tongue sticking out sideways and eyes gazing in the opposite direction-characterize his animated personality.

By: Brittany Lyon and Nicole Fecteau Posted In: The Video Channel Pictures: Photo credit: Brittany Lyon and Nicole Fecteau