Email: SisterFrankly@azsisters.org

The more you really get to know someone the more you learn of the unique pieces that make them who they are. It's a gorgeous puzzle! I am Sister Frankly Truself, and there are certainly many manifestations of me. Here are some of the essential bits:

This Sister is a desert native. Okay, so the heat is hell on the makeup, but I adore the variety that makes up our Arizona. I was born and raised in Tucson, live in the Phoenix area, and have family up North. My work takes me all across the state. When you see me, ask me what I get to drive around with sometimes!

Secondly, this Sister is a Social Worker with a dedication to HIV prevention and an ‘80’s-style activist just under the surface. The very best way to be true to yourself is to take care of yourself. You know the drill - I hope - so I won't preach. If I hear "Wow, it must be so depressing doing the work that you do", my answer is hell no! I thrive on meeting and working with amazing people, and many who live infected with or affected by HIV have learned so much about themselves that they positively shine with energy.

Now let's take a look at the concepts of gender, "GLBT" and the conundrum of how to fill in basic demographic forms. I keep looking for one that says "all of the above." I question gender and orientation. Not my own, mind you! I'm perfectly happy to manifest more than one thing. Unless you're one of my gender-bent soul siblings, think about it the next time you see “SEX: m/f”. Demand multiple choice! Play with gender. Expand it. Whoopee!

Finally, what's with the whole Sister thing, anyway? I remember the first time I saw Sisters in face at an event. Okay, that's about all I remember, since I'm easily distracted by Bright Shiny Objects and…what was I saying? Oh yes. Yes. That's what I said when asked whether I'd like to become a Sister. Yes! Remember those puzzle pieces? Turns out I had a few that were coated in glitter, and I am having the time of my life with our Sisterhood as we piece together an image of our local communities touched by our work and our blessings.

And on that note, I send my blessings to you. If we have been lucky enough to meet in person I am sure it was fabulous, and if we have not then I’m sure the Universe will see to it at the best time imaginable.

Bless you, your self, your true self.

With warmth from the desert,

Sister Frank(ly happy that you took time to read this) Truself