A 2006 Heroes In The Struggle
By Anna Macias
Patrik-Ian Polk hasn’t discovered a cure for AIDS, lobbied Congress for AIDS funding or consoled dying patients. But he earned the title “Heroes In The Struggle” against HIV/AIDS because he’s brilliantly used his gifts as a screenwriter, director and producer to entertain and captivate an audience while educating them about prevention. His works promote compassion and respect for those afflicted with the virus. Black AIDS Institute is honoring Polk and five other individuals at its 6th Annual Heroes In the Struggle Gala and Reception at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Directors Guild of America. This year’s theme is “That’s What Friends are Still For,” in tribute to Dionne Warwick and Friends. To purchase tickets, click here . On nights when “Noah’s Arc” airs on LOGO, MTV/Viacom’s lesbian and gay network, TV-watching parties are held in homes across the country. Groups of friends gather to enjoy the riveting plots. The audiences argue, laugh or cry over the realistic and hip characters portrayed on the screen. Polk is the creator, producer and lead writer of the acclaimed TV series “Noah’s Arc,” which is often described as “Sex and the City” with gay characters. “Noah’s Arc” is about four black gay men living in Los Angeles. “I know there are a lot of gay black men watching our show,” Polk said. “I want to present as many realistic messages about HIV/AIDS as possible. One of our lead characters runs an AIDS service organization. On the show, we see people getting tested and getting their results. One of the lead characters has been involved with an HIV-positive partner. We explore the realities of what it’s like to date someone who is HIV positive. The show puts out safe sex messages in a way that hits home but is not preachy.” “Noah’s Arc’s” first season is available on DVD in stores now, and repeats of the second season are airing. All 18 episodes of the show are available for download on iTunes. Polk said he hopes the show will have a third season. “We are waiting to hear about a third season…. It looks good and we’re very hopeful,” he said. “We want to continue to do more of the same. The HIV/AIDS issue is not going anywhere. As long as the show exists, I will continue to address the issue. I will also look to address the issue in my other work as well. I will always be a friend to the cause.” Doug Spearman, an actor who plays Dr. Chance on “Noah’s Arc,” said Polk’s commitment to the cause transcends the battle against HIV/AIDS. “Patrik, through his creative work, inspires black gay men to walk with dignity.” “The stories Patrik writes show gay black men in a positive light,” Spearman said. “It celebrates out loud what Patrik is and what I am.” Spearman said Polk boldly tells the stories of many gay black men, and judging by email and fan letters the show receives, each episode touches countless gay and straight people across the country. “Patrik lives with no apology,” Spearman said. “That’s what makes Patrik Patrik. He’s an artist, a romantic, a dreamer. He’s a visionary and he’s making an impact on our society.” Spearman said it’s obvious by reading Polk’s webpage on “My Space” that viewers identify with “Noah’s Arc.” The actor and longtime friend of Polk’s also has been invited to parties in Los Angeles where young people gather to enjoy an episode of “Noah’s Arc.” “People are debating over this show as if it were ‘Crossfire,’ ” Spearman said. “They talk about what the characters are wearing, how they comb their hair, who they’re dating and what’s going to happen next. The characters are compelling… and they help black gay men across the country not feel so isolated.” In addition to planning future episodes of “Noah’s Arc,” Polk is casting the feature film “Blackbird,” based on the novel by Larry Duplechan. This coming-of-age story about a high school student will be filmed in Polk’s hometown of Hattiesburg, Miss., this winter.
Polk attended Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., and the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where he earned a degree in film and theatre. He took graduate classes at the University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television, where he wrote and directed a number of short films.
In 2000, Polk debuted as a director with "Punks," an independent feature that he also wrote and produced. Often described as a male version of “Waiting to Exhale," “Punks” picked up several international awards. Polk said that when he learned he would be recognized as a “Heroes In The Struggle,” he struggled to understand why he was worthy of such an honor. “It’s exciting. It’s flattering. I don’t know that I feel like I deserve such an honor,” he said. “There are doctors, lobbyists and activists who do a lot of hard work in the fight against AIDS, so I ask, ‘Why me?’ ” Polk said he does feel a strong sense of obligation and commitment to spreading the word against AIDS and HIV in a world where black gay men have the highest rates of new infections. “It’s always been important to me as a gay black man,” he said. “I’ve been working for many, many years with Camp Pacific Heartland, an organization for kids with HIV/AIDS.” His desire to work to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS is always collaboration with others, he said. And one great influence and supporter of his work has been Phill Wilson, executive director of the Black AIDS Institute. “I draw my inspiration from the efforts of the tireless people like Phill Wilson, who have made this kind of work their life’s work. It’s difficult to imagine myself worthy of this kind of award…It’s a cool thing, and I’m happy to be involved.”
Anna Macias is a freelance writer based in Dallas, Texas.