Vernal Scott

I was sucked into downloading this self-published memoir after reading the author's review of Norman Foster's book on AIDS in the UK, AIDS: Don't Die of Prejudice. After praising Foster's work with HIV/AIDS charities, Scott then proceeded to pick apart his past as Health Minister in Margaret Thatcher's government, particularly his support of Clause 28. OK, I thought, I'll read both perspectives - the white, 'official' stance and the black, 'personal' account.

Sheesh. I did get to sort of like Vernal, the son of Jamaican immigrants who took control of his own life after a dysfunctional, abusive childhood and a fearful 'coming out' as a black gay man, by then dedicating years of his life to championing the treatment, support and education of ethnic minorities affected by AIDS, but dear lord, can the man rant. Here's a tip: skip the prologue and the final chapter, where Scott is nearly marooned on his damn soapbox. His personal story is both inspirational and tragic - three members of his family died of AIDS because they were hemophiliacs - and his tireless campaigning, getting to meet Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick along the way, is impressive, no doubt. I could just have done with less bitter moaning about religion and the rights of fathers (or lack thereof), and maybe a more selective approach to illustrations (did we really need so many cheescake photos of the author?)… (altro)