David Douglas Kelley

DAVID DOUGLAS KELLEY (1951 – 1996) Volunteering at Toronto Area Gays, I was blessed to encounter the inimitable David Kelley and his beloved life partner Tom Stewart.

David courageously consented to play the title role in my docu-drama “Michael, A Gay Son.” It was bold to be that ‘out’ in 1980. In competition with a documentary narrated by Meryl Streep, our film took top prize in the Human Sexuality category at NYC’s American Film Festival. David loved to boast that he beat Meryl!

David also charmed live audiences as the flamboyant “Apple” in the “Fruit Cocktail” variety revues, supporting the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal of Toronto.

David co-founded the Toronto Counselling Centre for Lesbian & Gays, now fittingly known as the David Kelley Services Program.

It was a shock for him when he tested positive in 1988. David refused to be stigmatized, brazenly wearing his “Nobody Knows I’m HIV Positive” t-shirt. He became an impassioned activist, mentor, spokesperson and executive director of a myriad of AIDS organizations. In 1994 he was honoured with the Pink Trillium Humanitarian Award.

Beyond his monumental accomplishments, I will most remember David for being the consummate cheerleader, gently nudging me and many others to take on new challenges, and to genuinely believe in ourselves. He readily made time for all in need of his loving care and companionship, with his charming repartee and all-encompassing embraces.

David welcomed me into his ever-expanding circle of friends and took me on a life-changing journey. He freed the child within me, and I treasured the exquisite joy of simply being silly with him.

I wish our adventures could have continued for far much longer. However, in April 1996, David passed away at age 44.

Mayor Barbara Hall declared at a meeting of the Toronto City Council: “David didn’t want to die of AIDS, but he was adamant that when he did die, everyone must know it was AIDS-related… Our city has lost a great citizen.”

“Michael, A Gay Son” (1980) can be streamed free on Vimeo.
https://vimeo.com/33946018?share=copy