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25 Aug 2009

HIV activist Nicholas Snow catches abusive Bangkok neighbour on video

Nicholas Snow, who came out publicly about being HIV-positive last year, captures and shares his traumatic experience of being verbally accosted by a neighbour about the former's HIV status last night on video.

Nicholas Snow, a Bangkok-based journalist who publicly disclosed his HIV-positive status in an exclusive interview with Fridae in October last year, was verbally accosted by his neighbour at his Bangkok apartment on the evening of Aug 24.

In a four and a half minute video uploaded on Youtube, the unnamed neighbour - a young Thai man - was seen picking up a knife and attempting to throw several objects at Snow as he yelled across the hallway about Snow's self-disclosure of his HIV status in a “book” (magazine) and on a gay personals web site.

Snow, who is gay, said his neighbour began verbally abusing him just as he was returning home. As the tirade did not stop after Snow had closed his door to his apartment, he picked up his video camera from inside his apartment and opened the door to film his neighbour.

The exchange went:

“I will not be harassed because I have HIV. You are not allowed to treat your neigbhours this way.”

“I don’t want friendly with people with HIV,” said the neighbour when Snow said that he's only being friendly when he greets him or others in the building.

When Snow warned his neighbour that the video would be posted on the Internet, he was told: “I don’t care. You can put it in the newspaper.”

As the tirade went on, Snow retreated into his apartment and revealed that he believes that his neigbour had come to know of his HIV-positive status from his profile on a gay personals website. On the same day, someone has sent him a message asking him to “die” or “go back to (his) own country.” The sender had also correctly identified the name of his apartment building. Snow added that he recognised the apartment, in which the photos on the profile were taken, to be similar to his own apartment.

He further explained that the will post the video on the Internet as an “example of stigma and discrimination that exist around HIV and AIDS.”

“I sorta invited stigma and discrimination to come my way because I wanted to stand up against it.”

Last year, Snow founded ActionEqualsLife.com, a social networking web site created to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, champion "human rights for all" and support equality for all LGBT people.

He also wants to stress that the “behaviour of the individual in no way represents the majority of loving, accepting, hospitable Thai citizens and expats who live in Thailand. However, HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination is prevalent throughout Asia and beyond.”


Reader's Comments

1. 2009-08-25 13:29  
Hey Nic,

Be strong and don't let that asshole make you feel otherwise. You have every right to be on this planet like anyone else and be treated the same as everyone else.

I really don't understand what's all the fuss about being afraid of people with HIV. I am more afraid of contracting H1N1 instead. Let's all fight this war against HIV discrimination and ignorance.

POSITIVE or NEGATIVE... It's really just a plus or minus man!

2. 2009-08-25 13:51  
You do all best way...and be stronger ...
3. 2009-08-25 14:01  
dont bring yourself to their level... its so sad to watch that... what an asshole!!!
4. 2009-08-25 14:19  
whoa....did the guy reach for a knife...?

anyways, i find Mr.Snow's ability to be frank about his condition extremely courageous, especially when he reveals that he invites stigma and discrimination so as to combat it, even to the point of receiving death threats.

What Mr. Snow has done is highlight a very big question for the Asian LGBT community, actually.

Do we be open about ourselves and invite the hatred and combat it, or do we shun away from it? What he shows in Youtube is but a taste of the harassment we might face for being out, not just with HIV, but also in terms of being gay.
5. 2009-08-25 14:20  
Hey Nic, stay strong... Let others talk what they like as we have not authority to stop them... As long as we are living with our conscious clear, it will be good enough. Get over this matter and move on. It will be a better tomorrow waiting ahead you.

Cheers...
6. 2009-08-25 14:28  
Nic

Your dignity and restraint go a long way in the ugly fight against ignorance and bigotry.

Keep giving care.
And take care.
And God bless >>>

AB
7. 2009-08-25 14:48  
Life is a Rollercoster ...!! no need to be sad coz this ain't the end of the world!! discrimination happen for along time ago.. just suck it up! and enjoy life!
8. 2009-08-25 15:25  
So shocked to see that. What an @$$hole. >:(

Stay strong! :)
9. 2009-08-25 15:34  
Hey Nic,

Its just few assholes like him out there but there are thousands or millions who have a bigger heart to accept you. Dont get affected by such ppl. Stay strong!!!!
10. 2009-08-25 15:39  
Hey Nick,

Do not let this get in your way, stay strong. These little pests are the reason why people around the world are suffering for nothing.

Stay strong!
11. 2009-08-25 16:00  
Hey, Guy You will not Die tMR,
That Not H1N1
12. 2009-08-25 16:09  
I am sorry to see that kind of discrimination especially from Thai whereby gay/lesbian lifestyle are very must open over there, not to mentioned about male and female prostitution is widely accepted there too.

I guess those who are Ignorance of it would live in fear and end up anti-HIV ppl. If a person can radiate loving kindness to everyone without discrimination, then that is the one who really practice human rights.
13. 2009-08-25 16:23  
such discrimination is not acceptable! its repulsive and disgusting!
nic, keep ur head high. do not let ppl like that bring u down. ur courage to open up about your status is only giving hope to so many ppl out there. stay strong!
Comment #14 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-25 16:39
15. 2009-08-25 16:43  
Dear Nicholas,

As an Asian and gay man...I am embarrassed by what you have been exposed to. It just goes to show ignorance is every where, and it transcends gender and race. Ignorance is rearing its ugly head at you...I hope you are not prepared to bow down to its pressure.
I have been a carer to people with HIV and let me tell you, some of them are the most gentle and sensitive people I have met and am very pleased to have me them. they provided me with the opportunity to be useful and also to meet their acquaintance....and help me become a better person.
Its hard I do realise, but never let anyone make you feel that you are not worthy. That would be a crime...emotionally. His reaction says so much more of him then it does of you. This is not about you, its about him!!!! Please remember that. Stay strong.

Comment edited on 2009-08-25 16:45:01
16. 2009-08-25 17:16  
wtf? this guy can't be thai...thai people are the nicest people ever....he needs to be put on some meds for sure...
17. 2009-08-25 17:17  
Please stay up and be yourself!
Don't let him makes you down!
18. 2009-08-25 17:23  
from this video can not be judge how rude or that thai guy or why the thai guy have this emotion need to do like using knife or throw the thing to Snow's.

because have not know between them what they did before. or else the thai guy would not so angry or did like this.

Snow cried, sad, and the end is showing the website,sounds like using the mad guy for free role model to be his promote website .

Promoting HIV+ awareness and discrimination of HIV is part of being Gay to show respect. The video is not just insult for Snow being as HIV+, but also insult to the guy who thrown the thing.


Both side also need to be stop making people feel irritating of u.
Comment edited on 2009-08-25 17:25:23
19. 2009-08-25 17:24  
Hey Nick,

Hats off to you for being so brave in standing up for your rights in the face of adversity. That guy's a real asshole alright. Unfortunately there are plenty of them around. The fact is it takes all sorts to make the world. Sorry that you had to encounter a nasty one.

Move on and here's wishing you happier encounters!!!
20. 2009-08-25 17:41  
Nicholas, just ignore what the insulting from the stupid THAI guy. Be a strong SEED!~
21. 2009-08-25 17:50  
I cannot imagine how sad this must be for you, as said in the other comments BE STRONG...not just for yourself but for also those who are not as brave as you...capturing the incident on a video is a wise thing, dangerous though but it will open new doors to show the whole world what kind stigma gay people go through....i cannot imagine for such incident to happen to a straight person with HIV...but it is not a contest between equal treatments between straight and gay people...

There is no excuse for what he did to you, it was mean and apparently he is not well educated...none the less you fought because your rights as a HUMAN BEING was violated and I say Yes to that! Keep fighting, you have the whole world behind you.....
22. 2009-08-25 18:20  
terrible. be strong. maybe u should consider move away from that place.

but why on earth ur advertising ur status in gayromeo, considering that website is 99% an online hook up site, while ur in asia ? r u not aware of deep resentment of asians towards white people who comes to asia and behaving badly? i'm not saying u r but from the guy's perspective u r one of those farang spreading deseases while being pseudo sad abt his status, and still enjoying the economic advantage living in bangkok and enjoying the weather. sorry, but i kinda think something darker and sinister going on here.

anyway dude, on a personal level, i have a deep sympathy for u, and please be strong.
23. 2009-08-25 18:23  
That uneducated, ignorant bastard! How dare he insulted you that way. You should've sued him Nicholas. I'd commit suicide otherwise, if that simpleton asshole wins the case. You should post this video as well to other gay websites, as well as in facebook.

Don't waste your tears for an Idiot Monkey! Be Strong!
Comment #24 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-25 20:26
25. 2009-08-25 19:11  
funny he just happened to have the cam available smells queer to me, was it a set up? did he entice the guy first for the publicity stunt? I believe nothing of what I hear half of what I see, yanks are notorious for muck raking and he's a guest in a foriegn country
Comment #26 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-25 19:32
27. 2009-08-25 19:28  
Sorry but its ovious the neighbour is gay and has a bf. nick was talkin with the bf in the morning and i guess the guy got jealous.

thais are vey passionate and extemely protective so its a litle nicks fault as he should know better.

th neighbour looks like a normal hai guy, probably not as educated as nick and as wordly so cut him slack. this is a lot of propaganda and i agree it looks like a bit of a set up, baiting the neighbour.
28. 2009-08-25 19:31  
At first I want to express that any discrimination is not tolerable, but please don´t get me wrong, this video looks like staged to me. Looks more like an advertisement for his organisation and website.
29. 2009-08-25 19:32  
This is absolutely heartbreaking. It's disgusting and cannot be tolerated! To think Thai people are renowned for being uber courteous.

Nicholas, you're not alone in this stand against stigmatization & discrimination, so stay strong! Because after every storm, eventually a rainbow appears!

And I sorta agree with #22, about how maybe you should consider moving away? Not as a sign of surrender, but as an act of 'graciousness'. You don't deserve people like him in your life.

But anyhow, keep spreading the awareness, & keep on keepin' on! We're backing you up!

=)
30. 2009-08-25 19:37  
Thank you for all your support. This is Nicholas, the person in the video. Big Hugs to all.
31. 2009-08-25 19:48  
be strong nic...
He is jus ignorant...
u have e support of many others around the world..
:)
Stay strong...
32. 2009-08-25 20:10  
the video's simply too short to make any judgement on what sort of argument's taking place between these two individuals. obviously the thai guy got emotional about something. most likely the neighbour's hiv status wasn't a direct cause of his distress. the thai neighbour knows a lot more about the white guy than we all do, so let's not jump into any premature conclusions. it's totally unethical on the part of fridae to post the video online, where the face of the thai guy's clearly visible. fridae made no effort to contact him to get his side of the story. really really bad example of (online) journalism.
33. 2009-08-25 20:15  
for the look of it.. the thai guy? he is gay too?
34. 2009-08-25 20:21  
you cant force people to be friendly with you. if they dont want to talk to u, then just ignore, you dont have to probe and tell them you are just being friendly, its their right also to snob you. the thai guy must have felt violated, ill throw things at you too if you start videotaping me. People without HIV has rights too, rights to privacy, so let them be. You cant force your neighbor to like you, its his problem and its his own personal space. If people tell you to go away, you go away and not ask what their problem is, because maybe they dont want to be friends with you. too bad, but it can happen.
Comment edited on 2009-08-25 20:24:59
35. 2009-08-25 20:48  
Being a journalist and having lived in Thailand myself, I think we are only getting half the story. The Thai guy seemed incredibly emotional, like there was some connection to the victim and this hunch is only compounded by the fact he learned of Nicholas Snow's status by being on gay website Romeo ie he is most certainly gay himself.

I in no way condone discrimination but I also found Snow's attempts to explain Western ideals to his neighbour to be very patronising. Remember you are a guest in his country, not the other way around.
Comment edited on 2009-08-25 20:48:44
36. 2009-08-25 20:48  
Hi Nicholas, All I can say is be strong & move to another place, you do not need such negativity in life. obviously the abusive person is another piece of unworthy piece of shit whom has not get over the fact that you are HIV positive & he is definitely afraid he might have it too as he probably been fucking around, so why worry about this minority? move on! you deserve a better environment. I dont think all thai are like this, he is obviously an exception.

take care, keep in touch!

al.

37. 2009-08-25 21:13  
Hey it's kind of interesting how the majority of supportive comments here are from Asian guys and the tempered responses are from whities...but then again if I saw some white bogan abusing an Asian guy in Aust 'cause he was HIV+ I'd be pretty horrified & ashamed.
Anyway, it seems stupid to take sides when it's blatantly obvious that there could be a whole lot of stuff going on we don't know about.
An emotive presentation of one side of the story.
We're easy bates here. Really...it's Days of our Lives
38. 2009-08-25 21:16  
I agree with other posters. If this is the case, its unfortunate that this kind of discrimination is going on. However, has anyone carefully observed the body language in this video? The Thai guy is livid! There seems to be something more than just the fact that there is someone with HIV living near him. I can't believe someone would behave in such a way if that was all there was to it.
Speaking psychologically...people don't generally subject themselves to having a camera in their face when they are upset and emotional. Moreover, in this state of mind, they wouldn't just happen to have a sign publicising their website or think to strategically pan the camera to show it at the end of the video.
Discrimination is an ugly, ugly thing. But the way we fight it need not stoop down to the same level. Fight it publicly, by all means, but don't make an example of one person - what will it achieve apart from making your own situation worse? Bigots rarely change their mind, they just die out provided there is a positive and fair voice around which does not make examples of one individual, who is deliberately being baited and passively egged on.

In any case, it is clear that there is more to this than just the content of the video. I'm unconvinced by this. The body language of all involved tell a different story.
39. 2009-08-25 21:16  
As a Thai citizen myself, I feel very much ashamed for the behaviour of a fellow citizen of mine and on behalf of the Thai people I regret this totally unacceptable incident and would like to apologise to you Nicholas. Should I ever have the opportunity, I will give that guy a decent portion of his own medicine in the manner, people wearing uniforms in Thailand do. It will serve as a lesson to him. It cannot be accepted that someone hurles abuse and weapons at another person for no obvious reason!
On the other hand, although this behaviour under no circumstances can be tolerated, please be aware that Thai educational standards, especially with respect to sex education and disease/ inception prevention are still lagging far behind acceptable standards, thus leading to a certain degree of ignorance, which either leads to undefineable fears or, to naive perceptions (many Thais still believe that washing the private parts before and after sex will prevent from acquiring the disease etc....).
When we look at this thug and from his English, it is very clear that his educational level is very low. I assume that thug did not go beyond 6 years of basic education in Thailand, and certainly is not really aware of the facts of HIV, or how one can acquire this disease.
In any case, this behaviour cannot be tolerated and I consider this very courageous of you, to post this incident on youtube and other channels.
40. 2009-08-25 21:25  
Am not pro in whether in east or west being abusive to people with different sexual orientation nor their status of sexual heath, its their call & no one else should ever discriminating them. whether this is staged or what, its not right to being abusive to one another especially if he shared the same sexual orientation.

for Nic, please do move out from this place, its not worth it really. also stop provoking if possible. for the thai guy, please behave! whom give you the right to threaten another human being with knife. its not worth it too.

al.
41. 2009-08-25 21:34  
There is absolutely nothing staged about this video and I in no way baited my neighbor that I am aware of. I am a storyteller professionally and I shoot videos all the time, and usually have a camera in my pocket. I have the ActionEqualsLife.com artwork on my bookshelf. It was my intent to capture the truth of the moment, and even in living my own life and capturing it, I do not surrender my artistry. All you have to do is watch the videos I intentionally produce and compare them with this one and you'll see the difference between planned programming and real life.

I am happy to answer any direct questions about this video or the circumstances around it. Also, when I sent out news of what had happened, I invited journalists to investigate the situation for themselves.

I am personally emotionally raw and I won't be defending myself in an ongoing fashion here. I do not have the energy for it.

To everyone who took the time to read, watch and comment, thank you.

Nicholas Snow, Founder
ActionEqualsLife

42. 2009-08-25 21:35  
sad..
the guy was mean
nasty people are everywhere
the best we can do, rise above them
when we look down, they proved nothing but grass that irritates our sole

he's not nasty because he's a thai
he just happens to be a thai who is nasty
sad..
truely..

43. 2009-08-25 21:39  
Nic, just join your cause, am trying to understand & being supportive, its not really what have happened to you make me realize but also my past experience as being a open gay asian guy also attract a lot of similar treatment from other Asian straight or gay fellow. just be strong. move on!
44. 2009-08-25 22:11  
Nicholas, please be strong and no need make yourself unhappy....

that guy will go to hell....and monster punish him.....

I like this country, but thai boy....some impolite...

I will support you for everything!!!

Take good care and enjoy your life, don't make yourself unhappy.

45. 2009-08-25 22:25  
1. Discrimination is totally wrong. I feel bad when i see him crying.
2. I agree with many other posters: we cannot really make any judgment base on this short video without knowing the context. Media distortion is everywhere.
3. Luckily the Thai guy is gay, otherwise there would be another discussion about discrimination towards homosexual.
46. 2009-08-25 22:26  
In Spore, probably constitutes a criminal offence on knife threatening issue. Perhaps its difference in Thailand.
47. 2009-08-25 22:33  
yup, i'm also totally not convinced abt the video. reading ur website mr nicholas, and watching again ur video, i can certainly smell fish. please, dont make a victim of an already badly potrayed society for ur own personal gain. and yeah, the fact fridae still shown this video without the investigating it first and without the thai guy's consent, unbelievable. so what now, thousands would go to actionequalslife.com now and probably u would be an instant celeb based on this video? shame !

there is a fine line between living a positive life with dignity and using ur positive card for stardom.
48. 2009-08-25 22:56  
awww, this thai guy is surely mean and uneducated! sad because I have a lot of thai friends and they are in nooooo wayy like this guy! Nic, be stronger and keep doing what you do best, educating tons and tons of people! If only this guy gets proper education then he wouldnt have acted that way. the discrimination shown on this video was so intense, it saddens me like hell! :( go nic, we support you and your endeavors!
49. 2009-08-25 22:57  
I can't help but smile at all these outraged Singapore people - while in their own country they are running from their own police and hiding from their neighbours. As for Nicolas's story: I have lived in Thailand 7 years. In my experience it takes some provication to make a Thai person that angry. I do hope Nic is telling the whole story.
50. 2009-08-25 23:01  
My apology in advance but i'm rather sceptical and find that there is absolutely no need to put up such vid post. Good luck.
51. 2009-08-25 23:27  
Nic...Be Strong....n ignored as much as u can to your neighbour's reaction.... but stay alert n minimize potential harm
Take good care
52. 2009-08-25 23:29  
Whether if the video is staged or not, it still all comes down to one thing.

STIGMATIZATION & DISCRIMINATION TOWARDS HIV POSITIVES EXIST!

And if this video is indeed staged, it's best to see it as a 'awareness spreading' material. In my personal opinion, stigmatizing usually occurs in the most subtle form, not usually expressively displayed, especially towards HIV positives. Wouldn't it be practically useless if this 'staged' video shows subtle marginalizing? But look at how much impact it has caused to so many of us watching a 'staged' expressive marginalizing? And expressive discrimination does exist!

With reference to #34. Yes, we shouldn't force people make nice with us if they do not want to. But I'm sure, Nicholas himself must have gone through a heck loads of negativity, to finally stand up for himself. To say: "What is your problem?", "It's not right", "People with HIV have rights!", "I will not be harassed just because I have HIV!"

As gay people, shouldn't we support this 'situation' no matter how then? It's easy for us to become sub-consciously ignorant, towards the purpose of Nicholas' works, just because many of the posters are HIV negatives.
53. 2009-08-25 23:39  
I go to Bangkok once a year on vacation, and I disagree with the idea that Thai people are magically happy. They have a culture which discourages emotional expression. That forces them to accept lots of abusive from bad governments and such. And so why did the neighbor become upset? He would have to be interviewed by another journalist I guess, but maybe the neighbor had made some poor decision sexually in the past in Bangkok that has effected his health in a similar way. Maybe the neighbor's brother was negatively effected by such a decision. It is narrow minded to assume that AIDS will vanish from Thailand if White western people go back to their original countries. What about tourists from Singapore, Japan, and other Asian countries? I have had to deal with angry Thai Gay men before, not because of the same reason, but because I went to Thailand and was sexually free with multiple partners. Not uncommon when vacationing in the west, but what if you never leave somewhere because you can not afford to do so. What to do emotionally with a sexual "butterfly"? I have also found that every Thai sex professional will require his client to wear a condom, but regular Thai people often do not. Easy to blame the neighbor with HIV for your own problems, but ultimately the man across the hallway may not be yelling at the cameraman, but perhaps at a mirror that reflects back exactly what the neighbor might be facing himself.
54. 2009-08-26 00:14  
The irony is that Bangkok has amongst the highest prevalence of HIV infections of any major city in the world. If we were to use this abusive Thai bully's standard, tourists should have boycotted them long ago. Mr Snow probably got infected in Bangkok also. Should he blame Bangkok and the Thais for his own misfortune? Why did Mr Snow declare his HIV status if he intended to harm people such as this bully's room-mate? If he had wanted to cause any harm, he would have kept his status a secret, wouldn't he? Is it that difficult to understand that HIV-positive people who have the intention and action to declare their status mean no harm? By making their life so difficult, this bully is discouraging HIV-positive people from being honest and sincere.
55. 2009-08-26 00:23  
hi nic. dont thing so much tell your self that you is you dont worry so much tell your self that was a asshole was singing in the public 1 day he will get what he say take good care of your self.
56. 2009-08-26 00:24  
#34:
You are right to say that it is not a right to expect everyone to want to be friendly to us or to talk to us. But in this case, it seems that it was the bully who abused Mr Snow unprovoked. As Mr Snow said, the bully had been very rude to him on many occasions. The reason was probably Mr Snow's status had become known to him.
57. 2009-08-26 00:42  
Nic, I'm sorry you have to go through this. Be strong my friend. To those who are reading this, discriminations and intolerence against HIV patients are real. They are as real as poverty, child abuse and other "main stream" crimes out there. You are just lucky that it didn't happen to you.
58. 2009-08-26 00:47  
I didn't hear the neighbour direct any assault about Snow being HIV positive. It seems he is angry from something else. Only once, did the guy ever mentioned the word HIV, and, given Snow's repetitive suggestions of the word and his rage, it seemed that's why he said it.
59. 2009-08-26 00:53  
hi nicholas..
im sorry for what had happen to u ..
its not very pleasant to watch the video either.
u didnt call or asked for it, its just ignorance in that person's mind that did that.
stay strong..
n keep a safe distance of urself from that 'knife-throwing person'..
xx
60. 2009-08-26 00:59  
i also don agree nic snow posted those video,not to say why he putting video witot consent from another side party(bec at the video of the thai guys wit mad emotion to agree and allowed him put the video ?), sounds like all the conversation just from nic snow doing the talking... ?

the thai guys was so mad, it must got something happen then have this emotion came out, just one short video totally can not judge like that.

and he cried after stopped and show his website,i just felt like the thai guy as doing the "free doing rude actor"as bad image in the video, it reflects the thai people, and nic just doin all his talking, the thai guy low educated is not a issue,maybe he really don understand at all about nic snow what he talk...

ofcz discrimination about HIV+ is quite not to tolerance,but usually people get the edge mad emotion,it must got something happened. and at my side, i look nic snow still quite emotion stable.

but why no people ask the thai guy for strong when he emotion get mad like this? he also get hurt, that you wouldnt know......
Comment edited on 2009-08-26 01:17:22
61. 2009-08-26 01:11  
hahahaha... feel sorry for those little kids who actually believe one side of story. didn't your parents teach you 恶人先告状? it is so obvious there is another side of story, from the gay neighbours who are not equiped to defend themselves. people try use others emotion to gain sympathy for themselves or their "cause" may eventually burn themselves. you are not synonymous to your cause, your cause is not a guarantee that everything you do is correct, and all who are not in agreement with you or your certain behavior are against your cause, whether it's right of people with HIV or disability or whatever. be honest, be fair to you and to others.
Comment edited on 2009-08-26 01:19:51
62. 2009-08-26 01:58  
I agree so with 60 and 61 comment. It's seem not make sense something.
63. 2009-08-26 02:12  
To Nic, be strong. Ignorance, prejudice and fear walk hand in hand, you know that. In reference to #47 and #50 I disagree with you guys.
In particular #47, I did not go and see that website your mentioned, nor I'll go. I don't really care. So I won't make Mr.Nicolas a star about that. What I care is what is in the video, quite clear. And about Thai guys/gays...I do have my experiences too with them. Who told you that maybe this guy bf (as he appeared to be someone with him) is the one who provoked all that bad and livid behavior to his bf (or friend) ? Don't get me wrong, I know some nice thais and I am not generalizing. But I know that, if they really wanna harm you, they find the way to do it... So whatever is behind this story, there is a equal probability that Nic is right...or wrong. The knife is in the hands of the thai guy anyway...
Cheers
64. 2009-08-26 02:33  
I really didn't get at the end of this video clip!? Why he has to turn the camera to that board.I mean if I was him I think I have no time to thinking about that stuff.That's not make sense to me at all!
65. 2009-08-26 02:48  
give that guy a break.... all of them...
66. 2009-08-26 02:53  
To #64. Well, why not ? Being himself a professional journalist he might be used to uneasy situations like that. So he took what happened as a 'spot' against HIV/AIDS intolerance. I think that might make some sense, after all.
And by the way, why the other thai gay was so....silent ? I would say almost "guilty". Did he know something that his fellow friend did not ? Or was he just "shy" ? Or was he feeling sorry for Nicolas ?
67. 2009-08-26 03:14  
Hi Snow,

I totally agreed with you, respect whether one is positive or negative because we all are humans. Respect others if you wished to be respected.

Anyway Snow, stay strong, live your life your way and no one or anything should stop you.

Love,
Jun
68. 2009-08-26 04:16  
I almost forgot, an opinion regarding post #66. Well flybynight, I think his friend was actually trying to stop all those havoc and try not to disturb the peace and harmony of the neighborhood. I think in this way it might make more sense. Or maybe its the Thai guy's partner. He was trying to stop him from making a fool of himself. It can be anything we just don't know except for himself.

Ok everyone a backing up of my discussion with a friend of mine, he might be right that Snow had posted the video without the actual consent of the Thai guy. We might not know what had happened between Snow and the Thai guy, but putting all those aside, shouldn't he calm down and talk instead of throwing things?

Violence is not the key to solution but discussion or a talk yes... Back to my points, as neighbors, is not right or sane enough to throw things at each other, especially when it could hurt the other party physically. What if the thing that he threw killed Snow?(Touch wood, just a comparison) Snow might have insulted him by calling him asshole but a blade of words can never hurt as much as physical damage.

It is true, Thais are friendly and nice and caring, but there are exceptions, out of a million, there could be at least 10 that are wicked, Snow must have been really unlucky to have met one of the 10 wicked ones. The way the Thai guy reacted is way too much and he indirectly destroyed the friendly, kind, loving images of Thais.

Maybe it would be better if we are able to put ourselves in Snow's shoe and see things from his side. If being friendly and nice is wrong, then where is humanity? Are we human? Being HIV positive is already a burden to him, where are the supports he needed the most instead of supports, what he received was discrimination.

Some might said probably Snow had sex with him, but I strongly disagree with that, if so, why had Snow asked him what did he do to him to be treated as such? All the Thai guy could say was Snow being friendly with him.

I don't know if my guess is correct or not, but Snow feel free to correct me if I am wrong. Everyone has a boiling point! This is very true. Snow might have been discriminated and mistreated a lot before he finally decided that something must be done about it.

In general, I believe in humanism, we all have human rights, we deserved to be respected. However, in doing so, we need to learn how to respect and appreciate the rights we have.
As Christian, there's a famous verse, Love your enemies. This applies very well here, they might be your enemy but its up to you how you wanted him to treat you back.
Be nice and sincere, calm and steady, polite and friendly, this is Harmony and Peace.

P/S : Guys you won't want such fight to be around your neighborhood, make this a lesson for you all, think and act smart not violent!
Comment edited on 2009-08-26 04:57:49
69. 2009-08-26 04:23  
As much as I admire Nicolas for his courage, for being honnest about his status and for wanting to change things, I do not believe posting this video will achieve much.

Those who know about discrimination will feel vindicated, those who don't will just think that this is just another "farang" who come to thailand to give HIV to Thai boys. I don't make it up. Just read some of the comments above, or if you are familliar with the tabloid press in Thailand you will know what I am talking about (it also help to have a friend who has been on the front page of these tabloids for much less than that...)

What thye video shows is a very emotionally disturb Thai, and a "farang" teasing him ("you will be on the internet..."). Direct confrontation in Asia never achieves anything, NS should know that living there.

What would be interesting to know is why the Thai guy doesn't like people with HIV. Most thai know little about HIV and what they know has been deeply influenced by governmental propaganda who at once said that “The general public need not be alarmed. Thai-to-Thai transmission is not in evidence.”

I wish good luck and recovery to Nicolas and I hope he will find a way to make his message heard, locally, nationally and worldwide. Just find the right way to get it through.

Very best.
Comment #70 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-26 05:43
71. 2009-08-26 05:41  
am still angry after watching this video, how can people treat the other in this way, no matter who and how they are.
But I am still believing that MOST of the humanbeing are not like this young thai man.
Be strong and go your way.
Best Regards
William
Comment edited on 2009-08-26 05:42:31
72. 2009-08-26 06:06  
There seems to be more going on here than anti-HIV/ AIDS feelings. We do NOT know the whole story - and why the thai guy feels such resentment towards the american ex-pat.
I think the said American ex-pat has, at the very least, capitalised on the tension that there seems to be between the neighbours (if, indeed, they really are neighbours) and - despite his desperate sadness - still remains focused enough to advertise his website.
Don't believe blindly in everything you see on the net, guys.
IF (and it is a big IF) it IS all genuine - the American guy has severely invaded the privacy of the thai chap in spreading the vid across the internet and is guilty of expoliting a 22 year old.
73. 2009-08-26 06:23  
its not only sad that this exists, but its even worse that its a "fellow gay" since he was on gay romeo as well. hang in there, there are more people in the world like the ones who have commented here than there are like the guy across the hall. karma will come in time.
74. 2009-08-26 06:25  
According to what you said in the video, if he was impolite to everyone then he is not just impolite to you. You went ahead to discuss with his bf already gave me some questions. Why didn't you talk to him directly? Are you the owner of the apartment and why are you so concern about his manner when all you have to do is walk away from this gentleman(as you stated)?

I mean someone with no manners they treat people the same, without manners. I believe there is a background story that either he was jealous or he was scared about something. Your film shows that his bf was sitting there without a word so obviously he was the silent partner who didnt know what to do with you or his bf. He is of course standing beside his bf until he had a thing for you. Anyway, I am glad that you tell everyone that you have HIV so if there is one person wanted to have sex with you, they are well aware of it.

75. 2009-08-26 07:15  
In life, sometimes people who are constantly attacking us may be suffering themselves. I guess these people plays a significant role in enabling ourselves to grow as a human being. If you do run away from this person, another person is bound to treat you the same in the future. Circumstances do not change just by changing our environment. It is when we are constantly responding towards a person in a compassionate yet gently way, they would be able to see the changes and react towards you or others differently.

They might not understand what you are going through but then it is ultimately you to educate the public what HIV + people are going through.

Sounds bizzare but good luck mate.
76. 2009-08-26 08:10  
oui oui to billcanada, should have shown us your thick thick thighs! lol walla is 30 now? time flys!

thais are gracious. we in america will refuse entry to people with HIV, unless hillary or her delegates give you a special permission (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071219135631AA7Zlll). better fight discrimination at home first, before go spreading your things around abroad. ever seen a middle aged thai with HIV flirting with young american boys in the us? lol. be safe, use protection. and be kind to your host, remember thailand don't owe you anything.

thighs! thighs!!!
Comment edited on 2009-08-26 13:36:32
77. 2009-08-26 08:59  
Nic, if people dont want to talk to you, what you do is dont talk to them.
When people tell you that, its not your problem anymore.

Why the hell does he have to be friends with you? because you are HIV+ and so??? if he doesn't want to talk to you, it doesn't necessarily mean because of your HIV, and even so, its his life, not yours! deal with yours!

stop using other people for your own good. If you want people to respect you, respect them too. Respect doesnt mean being friendly with you.

Everytime people tell you they dont want to talk you, you videotape them and tell them they are harassing you because you are HIV positive????

Dude, get over it. maybe you are not that pretty, maybe you are not his type, and maybe he doesnt like you as a neighbor, maybe he doesn't like anyone. Its all his choice. It's about HIM, and nothing to do with YOU.

This video is an abuse to the thai guy. You have got no right to post this one since he didn't want to be videotaped at all. When people say NO, they actually mean it. AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR HIV STATUS.


78. 2009-08-26 09:18  
First of all, Thais are the most friendly and most acceptable ppl on gays in the world. For him to post this video, without even censoring the young Thai's face is just wrong and kinda insulting to the Thais, just because he want to make ppl aware of his campaign.

And he make used on the advantage that the Thai neighbour cant speak English and most of the words of discrimination came out from the mouth of the author himself. Like "Why u treat me like this, is it bcos im hiv +" and stuff. Dont put words on the Thai's mouth just because he cant speak good English.
79. 2009-08-26 09:24  
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Nicholas on a trip to Bali. I know how he makes these little movies, and there is nothing put-on about them. Whilst this is a most unpleasant incident, it is something we often have to live with in multicultural societies, where education is not as good as it should be. If people don't speak out against discrimination we will never advance our acceptance as a proud part of society.

As to being HIV+, I suppose it wouldn't be easy to live with, but it's controllable - unlike a lot of other diseases. Stay well Nic, and keep blogging!
80. 2009-08-26 10:12  
To #76: I do not think what you said is totally right. Even in Asian countries they don't let you get in if you are HIV unless holding a Tourist VISA. What you talked about America and other Countries is about the rights to get the citizenship. So you get blocked if you do not get over the medical tests. For the honor of truth. So please don't post information which are not completely correct and just to mislead other readers.
About your comment then on "be safe, use protection etc. " I would think twice before saying that: this is also insulting someone, somehow. How do you know how Nic got the virus ? So don't jump to easy conclusions.
And, this is nothing to see with the Video post, it is all bullshits the idea that Thais are gracious (and even Thai gays). Maybe it depends on my personal experiences, and I am not here to generalize. I am old enough to know there are idiots everywhere and by any race. And so good people everywhere. But I can tell you I have been through situations like that, directly and not, and I can tell some (I repeat "some") thais behave really nastily.
81. 2009-08-26 10:24  
I agree on emailrandy. The Thai guy is trying to speak English to fight with you and yet you live in his country and don't speak a word of their language. Shame. Because if I were in your country, you would already said I should have spoken English to you in order to mix in your culture. When you can't communicate with him, it is frustrating and that add to the problem. I don't know how this was provoked but I am sure if you explain to him with some other people who can translate better, you both can understand each other more. However, I don't get how it was related to HIV, but more miscommunication.
82. 2009-08-26 10:38  
Yes, #81 (billcanada), he should have tried to look for a better and easier communication, from what I can see in the video anyway, it was not the case to try to have a talk quietly. People who don't speak English properly can look for a fair and polite conversation too, "showing" they don't want a camera in front of them (and they are able to "show" this meaning if necessary) and asking to be talked to slowly and clearly. Unfortunately most of time they go straight away to the point using "violence" rather than words. For your information I am not English nor British nor from any English spoken Country and I find arrogant when "people" use their English to take advantage in other Countries.
83. 2009-08-26 10:44  
Is this one of those joke videos?? There are two half naked guys in the other apartment looking suspiciously... G.A.Y... and then they're attacking another guy cos he's got HIV. Haha....

Also did the white guy asked for this trouble cos he was hitting on a younger 22 year old guy in the same apartment? There's a saying which goes " You don't shit in your own yard".

But jokes aside... violence doesn't solve problems in the 21st century..... I don't agreed on abusive behaviours and anger......
84. 2009-08-26 10:49  
is truelly a shame for a thai guy who behaved just kind inhuman behavour. There is no reason y u should continue staying in such kinda environment. Move on n continue to stay healthy as much as u can. Love yourself n forgive others for their ignorant. will pray for u n start life afresh....
With God grace, u will n always b surrounded by his guiding angels to pull u through all this...
b strong n possitive n we all loves u
85. 2009-08-26 11:34  
Be strong dude, they are so many of us supporting you. Infact you are brilliant as not many of us are dare to come out and speak loud. Cheers and all the best from me to you.
86. 2009-08-26 11:41  
pls consider move to other places, or else, get a companionship from your close intimate, friends to stay otherwise.
instantly lodge police report if get hurted physically.

subjective: when encounter vulgar ppl, counter back with vulgar behaviors. no matter how nice decently you talk to the NUT, he won't take your words.
87. 2009-08-26 12:40  
Sorry but you kept opening that door, asking for more in your politically correct monotone voice angering him even more so.
The guy was emotional and knowing that his education has failed him you kept pushing the button even more...
Telling him that he will be seen over the internet..Maybe internet is your reality for many it aint.
You got HIV, big freaking deal. While i was typing this some fuckers killed over 2000 sharks, more then hundreds kids died due to bacteria in their water, kids in china dying due to the led poison...

Close the door man...
88. 2009-08-26 13:23  
Hmm. If one listens carefully at the 1.00 minute mark thereon, the thai guy revealed that he was insulted 1st in the "book"and that he did not want to speak to Snow. I smell a fishy rat in tom yum soup. ;P
It's a no brainer that hostility and anti-gay sentiments toward PLWHA (People Living With HIV & AIDS) is unacceptable anywhere, but it's pretty amazing that in a country like Bangkok, Thailand, where gays, HIV and the sex trade are as common/accepted as the nightlife in Patpong, such livid unprovoked emotional outburst can occur from a thai person, let alone a gay comrade, is mind boggling. There is definitely baggage.
Nevertheless, whether Snow deserved it or not, it's gonna be very unsafe now to stay there. I suggest Snow make an offering of apology to release some of the tension or make plans to move out. It was really stupid to engage the thai local at such a hostile level and expect nothing will happen thereafter. One picks battles one can win. It's nothing to do with courage, but everything to do with right time right place right country/culture. If Snow can find a thai "fren", get a translated message 2 the neighbor 2 offer a truce and that all was a misunderstanding and request sincerely to live in peace. If the thai guys dun want to be greeted at all, then dun. Dun bore everyone by saying u r a friendly guy and says hi to everyone. That's just plain egoistic b.i.t.c.h.i.n.g. and asking for deserved trouble. ;P Good luck, u seriously will need it now.
89. 2009-08-26 14:48  
Everybody's going how "Nicholas deserves it".

Won't that just be as good as generalizing that all HIV positives deserves stigmatization & discrimination?

Nicholas didn't post this so everybody can point fingers at him. Heck, I don't even think he cares if you point fingers at him. His main purpose here is to let all of us be more aware.

Instead of being at least thankful, you guys are slamming him in such a manner that does no good to his purpose, the gay people, and the HIV positives.

Being gay is discriminative enough, try bearing the burden of the disease.
90. 2009-08-26 14:56  
The sad thing is, there are HIV-positive people who faced incidents that are more horrifying and traumatic. Ironically, sexual minorities can both be the victim and the aggressor. Just like love, hate is blind. Hate knows no colour, no ethnicity, no gender, no religion, no sexuality, etc.
91. 2009-08-26 14:57  
Perfectly agreed with fellow #89. Fortunately some young generation guys have a good working brain.
Actually I am quite shocked to see how many of you guys really are going against Nicholas, although some of you have the right motivations to do that.
But some other, oh God, it seems you are justifying the behavior of that guy. Provoked or not... I do not think this is the way of acting.
So no wonder what's happening in this world, specially when some people find that someone else "is deserving a violent attitude"...
92. 2009-08-26 15:21  
#91
i agree..
no one is deserving of being abused is a violent manner as such.
93. 2009-08-26 15:52  
More power to you Nick. Don't let him or others like him bring you done mate. Stay strong
94. 2009-08-26 15:57  
violent action or any discriminatory in any form is and should be discouraged anywhere esp for HIV/Aids sufferers and minority groups...however, what i have seen here is only one side of the story..as i don't know the background info between the 2 parties and what had caused such madness in the row...what stirred such aggressive response from his neighbor...we Thais are peace loving & polite people (majority anyway)..
95. 2009-08-26 16:26  
Hey brave Nic. I'm really surprised to see a Thai person (who have always appeared to me to be the most accepting and tolerant race) behaving like this. Well, you've shown him up for what he his but how on earth you change such a blinkered attitude is beyond me. Good luck to you and thanks for your efforts. x.
96. 2009-08-26 16:51  
whoa...

that's so close-minded...

gosh...

people like those make the world less of a good place to live in...

hold on there, dude...

97. 2009-08-26 17:35  
There are two sides to every story.

I sympathise that Nic is discrimnated against because of his HIV status but I also understand the young mans frustration. How many young gay asian mens lives are ruined by older foriegn men who sleep around and use them like sex toys.

I think they both need to grow up and move on. Nic needs to stop being a whiney baby. Bad things happen in life to all of us and we deal with it.

And the young man needs to grow up because one day he will get back what he gives out. Im sure he will face his own discrimination at some point.

Moral: Move on and grow up!
98. 2009-08-26 17:38  
having watched the sequence a few times now, I have to agree that the thai guy clearly cannot articulate well in english and whether or not he and his flatmate are Bfs, he himself feels disturbed in his privacy... I get the feeling that the white guy's vocalling is way too strong and too much show before the camera... the Thai guy looks provoked. I guess I wld be too...

story aside, I love thai men, my ex is thai and the thai guy is very attractive! :D nuff said.
99. 2009-08-26 20:29  
Scene 1: oh, i have gonorrhea, ill start telling my neighbors and if they say they don't want to talk to me, ill start videotaping them, and ill cry because I'm being abused because of my gonorrhea. after that, to make myself feel better, ill start a website and start telling people that people with gonorrhea have to be respected too.
visit my website: www.itsnotmyfaultihavegonorrhea.com

Scene 2: ill post on a sex oriented website that i have syphilis, if people are not friendly with me, ill tell them, whats wrong with you people? people with syphilis has feelings too. Im just trying to be friendly. Whats your problem? my syphilis status?
visit my website: www.peoplewithsyphilishasfeelingstoo.com

Scene 3: I chat with my neighbors in the elevator, why? because I'm friendly. They don't really like to talk to me, but then again, why not? im friendly, so ill tell them, can you explain to me why you don't talk to me? Is it because I have ( insert any type of STD here ), then ill say, oh my, discrimination!!!!!! I'll put this on the internet, ill cry foul, and ill start my own organization to make sure that people like you will not treat anyone with ( insert any type of STD here ) like me treated like this. Im just being friendly, you cannot say NO, because Im friendly....
visit my website: www.peoplewithSTDareniceandfriendlythereforeyouhavetoautomaticallybenicetome.com

Scene 4: Ill cry on video, because I'm exploited. With dramatic scenes posted before, with dramatic voice: "I refuse to be treated like this, because of my ( insert another favorite STD )". People who have ( insert another favorite STD ) have rights to!

oh and come visit my website to support my cause!

www.iamfriendlysoifyoudontwanttobefriendswithmeihateyouandhumiliateyou.com

100. 2009-08-26 20:31  
it is indeed interesting to see that there are generally two school of thoughts... from the Asians and Caucasians ....

while I do not agree that anyone should discriminate ..whether it is based on sexuality, race, religion , class/caste or HIV status ...like someone said above ..I can barely hear what the Thai guy said ...and what happened before that we could only hear from one side of the story ...that is from Nic only... arent we supposed to listen to both side of the story before coming to a conclusion

and sometimes during a quarrel or when provoked people can utter things that they dont mean it ...what more when the person could not speak English properly ...so it is not so wise to take it at surface level

like someone also said above (I dont know Thai culture well enough) the guy looked emotional and disturbed ...the sort that stem from jealousy rather than pure hatred....but maybe I am wrong too ..so unless we get a Thai interpreter to interview the guy and understand the story ...I think many of us here are too quick to past judgement...

think about it ....




101. 2009-08-26 21:04  
coretrainer8, what are you, 12?
102. 2009-08-26 21:25  
I believe the priority now is how Snow is gonna continue staying there safely. As I have already suggested earlier, be sensible and practical.

You can even have the Thai King or the Pope on his side in a posting here, but that still will not resolve the possible danger he may face hereon.
He can apply to be on Twitter and update his every fearful moment with new videos for effect or we can all help seriously think of how best to diffuse a ticking time bomb. At best, one can hope that the "violent" thai guy will simply leave Snow alone and no danger will follow but judging from the reaction in the video, it's pretty clear something constructive needs to be done asap. It's not rocket science.

I have personally encountered some unreasonable thai people before in some of my many happy countless visits to this wonderful country, but I choose not to engage in a verbal war to prove a point. It's really pointless. When one is in a culture with dynamic emotional volatility, be respectful.

#90-totally agree.
Comment edited on 2009-08-26 21:29:03
Comment #103 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-26 22:58
104. 2009-08-26 23:02  
Say whatever, but perhaps you misinterpreted what I meant with "everyone" billcanada, it was not to be taken in literal context. A majority of people were skeptical before my comment at #89 was brought about.
105. 2009-08-26 23:31  
When you are judging us for commenting on this video you are not so objective yourself as what we can say or not say. Afterall this is a public forum, I believe I have been very polite and truthful with what I have said.

He is the one who posted the video in public so obviously he wants people to judge themselves and not just agree on his view. If you are starting name calling (like #101) you know you are no better than the Thai guy. And who are you to say "everyone", when there are people supporting the guy with HIV.

I myself look at the facts and not because he has or has no HIV or his race. I judge by watching the video (the only thing that I can understand the story). I have friends who are HIV+ and friends died of AIDS, they do/did not feel victimize because of their status.

There are many unreasonable people in this world, if you want to start a fight everytime they are not treating you right then you got a problem.
106. 2009-08-26 23:37  
Ok Lokies. no worries.
107. 2009-08-27 00:13  
Lokies, what are you, 18? oh wait, right, you are 18.

The Thai guy behaviour of cos cant be tolerated, but i wanna repeat my point that Mr. Show make used on the advantage that the Thai neighbour cant speak English and most of the words of discrimination came out from the mouth of the author himself. Like "Why u treat me like this, is it bcos im hiv +" or "People with hiv have rights too" and stuff.

We dont really hear that coming from the mouth of the Thai neighbor... so he is using this advantage to make his point stronger. If the Thai guy can speak proper english, then probably we should really know what point was he really trying make being so furious.
Comment #108 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-27 00:50
109. 2009-08-27 00:42  
For example, #107, "I do not want my bf have sex with you because you are HIV+. F*** you Farang, f*** you Farang"...This would be discrimimation, correct ? And it seems Mr Nicholas made it clear on Gayromeo he is HIV+. It could be...correct ? Anything is possible, as we all do not know what exactly happened over there. Based on my "experience" with thai guys and based on my friends (thai and not thai) experiences too, that scenario is not so unlikely... So based only on the video...if someone is so emotional, well, why should he be entitled to use a violent attitude that way ? I have been myself harassed and violently attacked by a thai guy who was cheating me all the time. Why should not I think about something like that ? Then sure, when you touch the "right buttons" thais become livid... I think anyone become livid. And they become livid because they know you are right and they cannot accept it ! And please let' s stop thinking all thai are friendly in the land of smile !
Comment edited on 2009-08-27 00:45:47
Comment #110 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-03 13:24
111. 2009-08-27 05:54  
I don't believe it one bit, it's an obvious set up, theres an agenda behind this, I wouldn't trust a white in Asia as far as I could spit at them, I'm just soooooo over 'Gay American Cultural Imperialism' it's influence ruined gay life 'down under' and no doubt will do little for Gay men in Asia why do Americans think their perspectives are what we should all embrace, so arrogant, predictable and so boring
112. 2009-08-27 17:06  
Exactly .
113. 2009-08-27 18:29  
And we wonder why HIV+ gay men are afraid to disclose their status publicly or dare put a face to this disease that is said to be "50x Higher in Homosexual Men" than in the general population, according to a US CDC official."
(http://www.dakotavoice.com/2009/08/cdc-official-aids-rate-is-50x-higher-in-homosexual-men; this seems to be a conservative Christian web site but oh well)

How many HIV+ gay men in Asia do we know who have spoken openly and publicly about being HIV+? Maybe 3?

- Nicholas in Bangkok
- Ken in Hong Kong
- Hugo in Taiwan

Comment edited on 2009-08-27 18:32:47
114. 2009-08-27 20:40  
Well said #113. Forgetting for a moment about the Nicholas video, I am really surprised about some "comments" read on this blog. Negatively surprised, actually...I find some of them really nasty. Whatever, this is the world we live in... and even in the "minorities" world, this happens (even worse I would say).
That proves one more what I think about "human gay genre"... quoting someone I don't remember : "the more I know people here, the more I like my pets !".
Not mentioning all the Gay Pride Parades: just a silly exhibitions of bodies !
Well, LIFE goes on somehow, that's my last post here though , it is enough for me... ;-).
Cheers to anyone !
115. 2009-08-27 21:46  
if this is real i thin its simple and very little to do with hiv

Nicholas talked to neighbours bf about his non avourbale demeanour. nieghbour was told or heard about it and got angry? Why? gay white guy hitting on his bf, true or not, jealoously exists in all worlds, gay or oterwise. The gay romeo stuff is bullshit. The niehbour was yelling at Nicholas but was not using HIV as the main argument, if he even knows what it is. As said, Nicoals calmy put those words out there knwoing tha tthai guy would repeat them, cause in thailand an dother asian countries if u dont spea english well u repeat what is said because its fresn and available

Anyway also as said he was too upset to just be mad at Nicholas having HIV and living int he building, as Nichoals has been for ther for some time and no incident till now

Nicholas, Im sorry u have HIV but dont look to blame others for your behaviour
116. 2009-08-27 21:46  
if this is real i thin its simple and very little to do with hiv

Nicholas talked to neighbours bf about his non avourbale demeanour. nieghbour was told or heard about it and got angry? Why? gay white guy hitting on his bf, true or not, jealoously exists in all worlds, gay or oterwise. The gay romeo stuff is bullshit. The niehbour was yelling at Nicholas but was not using HIV as the main argument, if he even knows what it is. As said, Nicoals calmy put those words out there knwoing tha tthai guy would repeat them, cause in thailand an dother asian countries if u dont spea english well u repeat what is said because its fresn and available

Anyway also as said he was too upset to just be mad at Nicholas having HIV and living int he building, as Nichoals has been for ther for some time and no incident till now

Nicholas, Im sorry u have HIV but dont look to blame others for your behaviour
117. 2009-08-27 21:46  
if this is real i thin its simple and very little to do with hiv

Nicholas talked to neighbours bf about his non avourbale demeanour. nieghbour was told or heard about it and got angry? Why? gay white guy hitting on his bf, true or not, jealoously exists in all worlds, gay or oterwise. The gay romeo stuff is bullshit. The niehbour was yelling at Nicholas but was not using HIV as the main argument, if he even knows what it is. As said, Nicoals calmy put those words out there knwoing tha tthai guy would repeat them, cause in thailand an dother asian countries if u dont spea english well u repeat what is said because its fresn and available

Anyway also as said he was too upset to just be mad at Nicholas having HIV and living int he building, as Nichoals has been for ther for some time and no incident till now

Nicholas, Im sorry u have HIV but dont look to blame others for your behaviour
118. 2009-08-28 00:13  
go ahead n defend for urself!

i've posted the video on my blog
119. 2009-08-28 01:39  
Hello, Gentlemen. As I stated in post #41, I am more than willing to answer any questions posed directly to me about this issue. My contact info is available at the bottom of ActionEqualsLife. I appreciate all perspectives shared here. There is clearly more to the story, but it is not what has been largely speculated here.

Nicholas Snow, Founder
Action Equals Life
120. 2009-08-28 01:51  
So Nicholas, for the honor of truth, speak out the rest of the story here so that everyone can hear about it and stop the speculations.
Thanks
121. 2009-08-28 02:56  
Hello, Mr. Flybynight (Post #120).

Thanks again for taking the time to comment on this issue.

Everything here in the original story/video is truthful. There is nothing I have stated that isn't true. Many people in their comments here have made presumptions, assumptions, accusations, etc. If anyone wants to communicate their questions, or make comments that they would like me to respond to, I invite them to go to Action Equals Life and go to the "contact" link at the bottom of the page to communicate with me directly.

I will respond within the coming weeks and post news of that here and at ActionEqualsLife. No questions or comments off limits.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Snow, Founder
Action Equals Life

(By the way, I'm not coming back to this page again anytime in the near future. It has been emotionally wrenching and I need a break).
122. 2009-08-28 03:30  
It's obvious this is a REAL situation and to think otherwise/differently demonstrates the same kind of hatred of HIV sufferersthat this Thai guy shows here in this video clip. He is not acting the tones in his voice and the body movements can show that -even a kid can see it's full of real aggression and anger.

Of course it is through fear but he is also a dangreous nut adn there are many locals there in Thailand who have no advice, counselling help or hope like that.
123. 2009-08-28 13:05  
I don't believe an iota on the truthfulness of Snow's video. So if I don't believe the side of story Snow is telling, does it make me a HIV-hater, homophobic, racist, ageist, or [inset a label]? The answer is an unequivocal "No!' Snow has the "victim" role to play because this is part of his agenda. He has attracted your attention (and most likely sympathy), hasn't he? His Youtube video has generated almost 5000 views, and a very lively discussion on this topic, and countless hits to his very well publicized website and foundation. I challenge him to let that Thai guy to tell his side of story.
124. 2009-08-28 19:40  
If your neighbor is aggressive, telling you to not talk to him. What do you guys do???

never mind whatever they say. If you are really "educated" as you say...

Do you go to your room, get a video cam and start video taping? even if the guy says don't take my picture (referring to "video"). the guy gets agitated, then you start asking, why? whats your problem?? is it because I'm HIV positive???

Come on!!!!!!!!!! not everyone likes to be video taped or photographed, the bottom line here is. NO means NO. No need to know why. He doesn't owe you an explanation. You guys are NEIGHBORS, not LOVERS!

If people dont want to talk to you, dont insist on talking to them, and just ignore, thats what most normal people do. You don't go around asking people in your building whats wrong why they dont talk to you, that is soooooo lame. You guys live in the same building, yes, but it doesn't mean all your neighbors have to be your friend. BECAUSE! people with or without HIV has a choice to talk or not talk to people, be friends or not friends. AND anyone, with or without HIV has a right to PRIVACY!

125. 2009-08-28 22:53  
Exactly! When people has already said NO or DONT WANT already still insist to do it, is pay no respect.

i understand some "difficult-handle" gay men who failed to get some young chicks or request some thing failed from another part,and then do some thing or make them mad. but why stil insist to make them more angry?

in english"fucking"is rude, meanwhile if you speak other country language as in " Asshole " this word "meaning is the place of shit from butt " to me, i will thinking why the person speak ur * to me? why? he might not low educated person, but totally like uneducated person.
126. 2009-08-29 00:24  
Lesson for all: If you don't want to star in a video or appear on youtube, don't talk into a camera. Simple as that. I believe this is commonsense and regardless of one's language skills



Comment #127 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:04
128. 2009-08-29 12:41  
While the verbal abuse may be a little "out there", this whole scene is totally suspicious. The neighbor is obviously agitated, and who can blame him? He finds out another foreigner is in his country possibly spreading a massive plague that is already devastating his homeland. When a "journalist" comes out on gay sites, clearly states he is inviting this reaction, then conveniently films it, I smell a rat, and its NOT the neighbor. I smell something, and I think its a rice queen with a website. BTW, its 2009. Getting HIV in this era in almost all scenarios means you did something stupid. Deal with your own issues, and stop being the victim. Sorry, I dont buy this story the way they are trying to sell it.
Comment #129 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:04
130. 2009-08-29 18:16  
LESSON ?..if you do not want to appear in a video( or newspaper article ) do not go near a publicist or media type. I believe that the HIV is a smoke screen ( a horrific condition to have and one sympatises with people unfortunate enough to have contracted it and now having to handle it ) . It is very obvious however that the video action is nothing to do with HIV and all to do with the type of guy who would have the sense to strategically video tape an incident and who was obviously inciting his neighbour to do something bad.
I also suspect that a book may follow from the comments he invites to his blog. It demeans the work of HIV activists , and threatens to further stigmatise people who have this condition. Video taking of a person without consent is a violence against that person , and shouting at his neighbour in the way Snow did is a form of harrassment .
I agree with most of the rational criticisms ,like 127, and am sorry for those who react emotionaly and miss the harm that this man has done.
Comment #131 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:04
132. 2009-08-29 22:22  
Maybe the fridae jounalist had just seen the surface of the video ,but did not analysis it well before putting the wrong headline and the slogan, it giving wrong message to the readers.

take note.

of cz with the big slogan "HIV activist Nicholas Snow catches abusive Bangkok neighbour on video" , it already fixed the readers perception before watched the so called "abusive bbk neighbour" video.

Comment #133 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:04
Comment #134 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-30 01:17
Comment #135 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-30 01:17
136. 2009-08-30 01:15  
if you think this video is not appropriate, log on and view it on youtube, under the video this is a "flag" link. you can file a complaint by clicking on the link, i flagged it under "hateful and abusive content / bullying". from the "national crime prevention council", film victims without their consent, spread lies and rumours about victims and trick people into revealing personal information are all cyberbullying. if you know the person being filmed, he and only he can report infringement of privacy.

yeah it's pity fridae is hosting this as news, sad.

i'd rather see billcanada's thick thick thighs, yooohoooooo
137. 2009-08-30 02:15  
I guess that all media , including Fridae , welcome controversy . It attracts attention and that's what it is all about. Fridae may take this down when only the same few people write comments. They were quick to censor my naked profile pic when publishing my comments. They gave no such courtesy to the face of the victim ,to the violence perpetrated on him by the video shooting . The media has few ethics.
If the victim in this video was American he might well have looked at the possibility of a legal action for invasion of privacy and defamation. He is the victim, advantage taken of his lack of English , his emotion and culture.
I will follow the advice of 136 and perhaps we should stop writing here so that this is no longer considered a worthwhile news item by Fridae.
138. 2009-08-30 02:19  
WOW..APOLOGIES TO FRIDAE. SUDDENLY THE NAKED PICTURE APPEARS. APOLOGIES TO ALL OF YOU TOO . I CHANGED THE PICTURE FOR MY LAST ,EARLIER COMMENT , WHEN I REALISED WHAT IT SHOWED.
Comment #139 was deleted by its author on 2009-08-30 04:56
140. 2009-08-30 04:57  
I believe Fridae 'welcome controversies' because it sets us thinking, get us going & discussing about issues that concerns us, the gay people. After all, WE ARE A COMMUNITY. So don't come around telling Fridae to remove something just because one of you feels offended, & perhaps practice a little compromising?
Comment #141 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:04
142. 2009-08-30 11:38  
Hi goodsmile, first of all, I'm not here to defend Nicholas. I figured that wouldn't go anywhere when people like you who are absurdly rude are around. Speaking of which, you can call me whatever - idiot... stupid young boy... pathetically passive... nonsensical... ignorant... lack of understanding...

Boy, to take in so many counts of unflattering terms at one go sure wasn't easy. But hey, you're pardoned. After all, you did say you were "outraged", & everyone including myself, have moments of irrationality driven by sheer anger. So I UNDERSTAND.

Secondly, thank you for being part of a revolution that has given the gay people much more space than there was 20 years ago. But no, I do not believe that compromising was not part of the plan. If the 'gay revolution' was all about forceful movements, it makes us no difference from terrorists organizations.

And since like what you've dubbed me, a young boy with lack of understanding, I've only got a handful of examples I can use: Harvey Milk. He compromised, by letting himself 'fit in' with everybody else. Then, slowly but surely, brought in & 'introduced' the gay community (I'm sorry if that word sets your bomb off again). With his authority & power, I'm sure there were many chances he could abuse it, to be bias only to the gay people. But did he? I'm sure you know.

So do you really think that upon his assassination, would there be so many people stretching beyond sexual orientation, gender, age, & race showing their respect for him? If he was not a compromising & understanding man?

Thirdly, I do not appreciate you for insulting my dignity. I may be young, I may not know just as much as you, but at least I'm not afraid to speak my mind. Don't use the term 'ignorant' on me. I didn't go through all the discrimination shit just as any other gay man went through, just so other people like you, can call me unaware & passive. I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON.

And for the record, don't just brag about it, but do something practical if you feel ashamed by what other people is causing onto you. You might wanna watch that temper of yours as well, because it's fogging your seriousness & resulting you being a pot calling the kettle black.

If you're still not gonna take a inch bit of me seriously, just because you think I'm young... idiotic... stupid... pathetically passive... nonsensical... ignorant... lack of understanding...

I shall compromise then, & let you have your way & be literally ignorant towards you.
Comment #143 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:04
144. 2009-08-30 18:36  
juz curious, what antecedent before his angry??
145. 2009-08-31 02:28  
The point here is not age or ignorance but rather ,emotions. From watching the video from beginning to end now, it is obvious that Snow did not do what a rational adult , someone who purports to be an advocate for people in Thailand ,should have done. He should have some understanding of the culture to which he appears to have move . He should have been more conscious of his persuasive role ( if he is an advocate for people with HIV..).to understand and persuade the ignorant ,not to browbeat them. That is not persuasive ,unless you are a dictator with the power to lock people up. He showed no appreciation for someone emotional without the Engish vocabulary to say what he feels about Snow as his neighbour.
Some people who have commented, young and older, have also been emotional, and uncritical . Reasons ? Sorry for the English speaking person ,who is described as an advocate for the discriminated in Thailand !
Why was Thai not used ? Not a worldwide easily understood language useful for the Utube ?
Sorry for a person with a serious illness which any one of us might be unfortunate to catch ( blood transfusion, needle sharing, unsafe sex , making a mistake under the influence of drink or drugs and passion etc etc ). Disturbed, and blinded , by the unusual sight of an adult man appearing to be upset and crying !! Even though all was this was ' calmly ' videtaped by himself ,not another !!
Some are swayed by feelings of uncritical sorrow for the Videotaper , a person who portrays himself as selfless on behalf of 'us' , and swayed with anger against someone who can only express 'wordless' anger and confusion ( in another's language ) about his neighbour , with threats of violence 'put in his mouth' by Snow. "Are you gettin a knife to attack me "( or some such ).
I am annoyed and offended by Snow's actions, and his inappropriate behaviour as a HIV activist . Gay or not. I do not feel emotional. However if I was Thai , and seeing and understanding what I saw and heard , I might be emotional.
146. 2009-08-31 02:29  
The point here is not age or ignorance but rather ,emotions. From watching the video from beginning to end now, it is obvious that Snow did not do what a rational adult , someone who purports to be an advocate for people in Thailand ,should have done. He should have some understanding of the culture to which he appears to have moved . He should have been more conscious of his persuasive role ( if he is an advocate for people with HIV..).to understand and persuade the ignorant ,not to browbeat them. That is not persuasive ,unless you are a dictator with the power to lock people up. He showed no appreciation for someone emotional without the Engish vocabulary to say what he feels about Snow as his neighbour.
Some people who have commented, young and older, have also been emotional, and uncritical . Reasons ? Sorry for the English speaking person ,who is described as an advocate for the discriminated in Thailand !
Why was Thai not used ? Not a worldwide easily understood language useful for the Utube ?
Sorry for a person with a serious illness which any one of us might be unfortunate to catch ( blood transfusion, needle sharing, unsafe sex , making a mistake under the influence of drink or drugs and passion etc etc ). Disturbed, and blinded , by the unusual sight of an adult man appearing to be upset and crying !! Even though all was this was ' calmly ' videtaped by himself ,not another !!
Some are swayed by feelings of uncritical sorrow for the Videotaper , a person who portrays himself as selfless on behalf of 'us' , and swayed with anger against someone who can only express 'wordless' anger and confusion ( in another's language ) about his neighbour , with threats of violence 'put in his mouth' by Snow. "Are you gettin a knife to attack me "( or some such ).
I am annoyed and offended by Snow's actions, and his inappropriate behaviour as a HIV activist . Gay or not. I do not feel emotional. However if I was Thai , and seeing and understanding what I saw and heard , I might be emotional.
147. 2009-08-31 10:13  
Some great thinking here guys. Amazing writing from such a broad spectrum! Kudos to you guys, especially Zerogwm and Lokies!!!

Mr Snow did say“ I sorta invited stigma and discrimination to come my way because I wanted to stand up against it.”
Comment #148 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:03
149. 2009-08-31 12:58  
150. 2009-08-31 14:05  
148...Hi Freelancer. I will not make any personal attack on you or your cute photo,as you have done (emotionally perhaps ) about my unfortunate photo (not intended for serious discussion !sorry).
Taking your comment out of context " Doesn't this video and his actions bother you at all?, am I the only one here who is disgusted by his actions?,........ " .Answer.Yes ,thoroughly disgusted by Snow's provocation and abuse of this Thai guy's emotions , inadequate English ,and right to privacy. As you have also said , You are " missing the point completely,,,". I did not write " may be emotional".
I wrote "I am annoyed and offended by Snow's actions, and his inappropriate behaviour as a HIV activist . Gay or not. I do not feel emotional. However if I was Thai , and seeing and understanding what I saw and heard , I MIGHT be emotional." .
I changed my photo for this correspondence immediately I noticed it here but Fridae seems to have been very slow to make the change..A little more respectable ? Please do not discrimainate against me on the basis of me " standing naked on a chair "....However no fear, I will not set you up and videotape your discrimination.
Comment #151 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:03
Comment #152 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:03
153. 2009-08-31 17:29  
My friend Nicholas,

Even i am standing in gay life, but i never feel embarrassing,because before i start doing all this,i already know this is my choice....and i should know the fact if i am standing in this kind of life.
What should we do if we born as a gay? That is a feeling to be...
is not what we wanted to be. We are also human,and we have feeling too. right?

Yes, you might have that deceases, so???? Everyone will leave,don't we realize? Is just early or late that all.
At least,we have a beautiful and meaningful experience that ever goes through in our life before. That is call life.

No matter what happen,be strong,still enjoying your life. Be happy. May luck and bless to be with u.

truly,
vince
Comment #154 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:03
155. 2009-08-31 19:25  
To everyone who took the time to comment about this story, I thank you for your comments. I have prepared my official response in which I have taken into account virtually everything written here.

I am not going to be returning to this page again, but in my "The Rest of the Story" account, I identify how to communicate your questions, comments and criticisms to me in the future.

I am about to paste a link below. If for whatever reason it is not hyperlinked, just go to ActionEqualsLife.com and look in the blog for this headline:

Nicholas Snow’s Controversial HIV-Related Neighbor Conflict Video: “The Rest of the Story”…

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Snow, Founder - The Action Equals Life World Service Project


http://www.actionequalslife.com/profiles/blogs/nicholas-snows-controversial
Comment #156 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:03
157. 2009-08-31 22:36  
Jeezzz, Goodsmile, what is your problem? Can u give it a rest already? Although i dont really agreed on Mr. Snow video as well, but whats with all the anger on your postings and tone? What u gonna do now, call me names?
158. 2009-09-01 00:01  
My my... personal attacks and judgements abound here!!!
159. 2009-09-01 00:31  
goodsmile !! where is it ? the smile ? You are going in all directions. Sure I did not wish to insult you. It is getting a bit more difficult !! I thought we shared common views but it is very apparent that miscommunication can happen even in a common language . I had presumed that you are a native English speaker .
I was apologising for my lovely naked picture being shown on a serious discussion page,whereas the purpose in having it on my profile has resulted in tremendous outcomes ! For me ,and the great guys who have found me . Maybe you had the same though so that none of your numerous profile photos of your little covered package is shown on this page. So you put the less flattering one of your thin body in a patient like green robe. ?.
Enough of this delicious bitchiness !! Snow..see what you have provoked as you go on to use us for your evil ends !!In your next article or /and blog ! You have also helped us to view those intelligent and handsome guys like Grant ,Clinton and Lokie,to mention just a few.
By the way , goodsmile...I got the Freelancer from YOUR PROFILE. >
Role Bottom
Safe sex Always
How out are you? Totally
Occupation Self-employed / Freelance
Personality Bitchy, Flirty, Funny, Loving, Romantic, Serious
Best Attribute Personality

Add calm and rational ,and maybe your arguments can have more clarity and be more appreciated.
Blessings and Good Luck....
160. 2009-09-01 06:40  
Hmm. From the extreme irrational reactions from goodsmile so far , I think we have got ourselves a good reality show here.
Livid Thai guy vs Unexplained sudden appearance Farang in a Positive setting. Directed by Snow (Korea's Rain is busy ya?). LOL

Only bad news is sir, I no like be watching. Cat fights in Thailand very common & boring.zzzz.

Geez, give it a rest already. Enough of this topic. YAWN.
Move on. Even a dead horse needs it rest.
Comment #161 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:03
Comment #162 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:03
Comment #163 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-01 21:03
164. 2009-09-01 11:37  
Please open your narrow eyes and read the earlier comments above, ive posted several way before u even stumble upon this page. Why, of cos, i didnt expect someone like u bother to read what others have written prior.
Comment #165 was deleted by its author on 2009-09-02 19:25
166. 2009-09-08 15:33  
Just adding my 2 cents worth.

I think if you put yourself out there you'll just have to be able to face all the cynicism that comes your way. Come'on seriously, he should know better.

There's still a lot of ignorant people out there, but it's pretty obvious here, that there is more than meets the eye in this case. My point is, everyone seems to be using the new media to get their 15 seconds of fame. And Nick I think is no exception.

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