“Yes. I’m very open about it,” responded Chris Michael Hepler when Gay Vegas asked him if he was open to sharing his HIV-positive status. Last month, at a coincidental run in at Get Booked, Chris opened up to us about being HIV-positive for the last five years. He shared some of his personal experiences working with some of Vegas’ various HIV/AIDS non-profits and the difficulties he and others have had when trying to receive services during the 15 years he’s called Las Vegas home. 

If you’ve been to Get Booked over the last few years, you probably recognize Chris Michael Hepler. Along with working part-time in sales at this LGBT favorite shop, Chris also works in deliveries at Core-Mark. In addition, Chris has been involved with “ The Men of Charlie’s Las Vegas” helping to raise funds for local LGBT charities.

Weeks after the emotionally charged conversation with Chris around HIV/AIDS, Gay Vegas noticed a GoFundMe campaign he had created after being left without transportation.

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The campaign page stated: “I am a person that works hard and always there for people when they needed help i didn’t plan on doing this but one of my jobs depend on it. my old car decided to break down and beyond repair and need to get a new car. My main job you have to have a car and they gave me one month to get a new car been trying to save but every time i do something comes up and don’t like asking for help it’s just not who i am but letting my ego go and asking for help. I love my job and don’t want to lose it. This would mean so much to me you don’t even know. and thank you for every little bit you help with Help spread the word!”

By the time the campaign came to our attention, 19 days had already gone by and the GoFundMe account balance had not budged. Remembering the struggles Chris had spoken of so passionately and with so much love, we couldn’t let him go another day without a vehicle.

Gay Vegas bought Chris a car today. And with that said, all that we ask for in return is that you support some of his favorite local HIV/AIDS non-profits, such as Golden Rainbow and the St. Therese Center HIV Outreach.

Thank you for your support. And Chris: we hope you enjoy the car!