Gern's real name is Chaiyawut Khamdee. He is guitarist for the HIV Band.
''I'm a musician by trade. I have to admit that I led the typical musician's life. I slept around, and in the course of that, contracted HIV.
''I decided to kill myself at first. But I got over that. I figured we all have to die sometime, and after doing a little reading on the subject, realized that having HIV didn't mean I had to die straight away.
''But it meant altering my lifestyle. I had to stop sleeping with girls. I had to quit alcohol. And cigarettes. Here at the temple, there are strict rules about that. No drinking, no smoking. I'm trying hard to give up. I swear. It means I have to sneak a cigarette now and again. For God's sake don't tell Dr Alongkot I'm still smoking! Just kidding. I don't know where I would be now if it weren't for him.
''I came here six months ago when I was 28. I got interested in the band immediately. So I applied. I'm now the guitarist. I love being in this band. It's different from other bands I've been in, in that this time I have a real message to send out. In between each of the songs, we introduce ourselves and explain how we got AIDS. I think this is very educational, especially for students.
''I've been lucky. I haven't had anybody shun me because I have AIDS. My friends and family have been supportive. By the way, my name means 'over the top' or 'too much' in Thai. Maybe that explains me! Actually, it has another meaning, too, which is a joint of your finger.''
[Wee] [Mai] [Gob] [Joe] [Oo-an] [Nick] [Dtee] [Gern]