Title: RRP Episode 53 - Darrell DuBois: Pioneering LGBTQ+ AA Recovery, The Live and Let Live Club & Surviving AIDS

Presenters: Julie and Peter

Length: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Links to Websites Discussed:

• Live and Let Live Club (AA) – https://liveandletliveclub.org/
• Portland Gay Men's Chorus – https://www.pdxgmc.org/
• Our House Portland – https://www.ourhouseofportland.org/
• Real Recovery Podcast – https://www.realrecoverypodcast.com

Key Points with Time Stamps:

• [00:01:34 ] Introduction to Darrell DuBois and his profound impact on the recovery and LGBTQ+ communities.
• [00:05:16 ] Darrell’s early life: Coming out in the 1960s, facing family rejection, and becoming homeless at 16.
• [00:10:22 ] Finding community in Eugene and Portland: His path to stability and personal growth.
• [00:14:45 ] Darrell’s battle with addiction and how he found his way into recovery.
• [00:20:10 ] The founding of the Live and Let Live Club, one of the first LGBTQ+ AA groups in Portland.
• [00:25:55 ] His survival through the AIDS epidemic and being one of the longest-living AIDS survivors in the country.
• [00:30:40 ] How Portland’s Gay Men’s Chorus and Our House provided a foundation for his recovery.
• [00:38:12 ] Lessons from 28 years of sobriety and the importance of being able to tell your full story in recovery.
• [00:45:50 ] Darrell’s powerful message to those in early recovery: “You are welcome, wanted, and needed.”

Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, Darrell DuBois takes us on a journey through his remarkable life—from facing rejection and homelessness as a teen to becoming one of the longest-surviving individuals diagnosed with AIDS. As a founding member of the Live and Let Live Club, he played a pivotal role in creating safe recovery spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Darrell opens up about his battle with addiction, his path to long-term sobriety, and the vital support he found through community, music, and advocacy. His story is one of resilience, healing, and hope, proving that recovery is possible no matter what.

Conclusion:

Darrell’s journey is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the power of recovery. His story serves as an inspiration for those navigating sobriety and seeking a place to belong. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just looking for hope, this episode will leave you deeply moved.

Hashtags:

#RealRecoveryPodcast #LiveAndLetLive #LGBTQRecovery #AddictionRecovery #ResilienceAndHope #AIDSSurvivor #SobrietyStories #CommunitySupport