Mario In The Mission

Submitted by Delfin Vigil on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:21

Delfin Vigil, Director of Communications Categories:

You might’ve seen him zipping down Mission, cruising along Van Ness, or making his way up Market. He’s the dapper dude called Mario – and his goateed grin is all over MUNI busses, subways and BART trains and stations as part of Project Open Hand’s FOOD=LOVE outdoor awareness campaign. Mario is one of five San Franciscans sharing their stories about how the empowering impact that “meals with love” has had on their lives.

How did you connect with Project Open Hand?

I’m a native and lifelong San Franciscan, and I’ve been a part of Project Open Hand’s story as both a client and a volunteer for over 20 years. I was diagnosed with HIV in the mid-1990s. At the time I could barely get out of the house. I heard about the program of healthy meals and groceries. I signed up. I grew stronger.

Who was the first person you knew to be diagnosed with HIV?

When the epidemic hit in the 1980s, nobody even knew what it was called or what to do. I remember a tall gentleman named Marty who lived over on Eddy Street. He had a storefront where he sold antiques. I was in the antique business and would buy bits and pieces of glass chandeliers from him and turn it into jewelry to sell. I believe he was one of the first 24 or so men to be diagnosed. It was very sad.

What are your favorite memories of being in the S.F. antique business?

The Tenderloin is a true treasure trove for antiques – with so many Art-Deco buildings. If you look past the poverty, there’s beauty underneath. Entryways with gorgeous paintings… ornate glass light fixtures… tiles… stained glass ceilings. I ran a store for years on Ellis and Leavenworth. My mother made a big antique score when one day, the Senator Hotel tossed out 55 solid oak and mahogany curved dressers from the turn of the century. They were each worth at least $500 at the time.

Where was or is your favorite place to go dancing?

The N'Touch on Polk near Sacramento. Went there for a good ten years. Back in the 1980s. They had polished steel floors and the strobe lights were incredibly shiny. So much fun.

Mario in the MUNI Subway

What was your favorite song to dance to?

“I will Survive,” by Gloria Gaynor (1978). It reminds me I have to survive in order to maintain a gay relationship.

What’s your spirit animal?

I'd say a bull. It’s my birth sign. I’m a Taurus. I’m stubborn, strong… and surprising.