From: Date: Tue, 31 Jan 1995 17:11:19 -0500 Message-Id: <950131171116_9358545@aol.com> Subject: Gay Lover Listed as "Brother" (For further information, contact willnich@aol.com. Please notify if the following is reprinted in your publication) SURVIVING GAY LOVER LISTED AS "BROTHER" In yet another twist to the continuing problems faced by gay men who lose a lover to AIDS or other diseases, the family of Norman Nichols of Louisville reported his lover, David Williams, as a brother in Mr. Nichols' obituary on January 22 rather than as "friend" or "companion," as is customary with the major local daily newspaper, the Louisville Courier-Journal. The family also refused to list the cause of death as AIDS, as per Nichols' previously stated request, but the latter point was moot because the Courier-Journal seldom lists cause of death for anyone. Nichols died of complications due to AIDS on January 21. "Norman and I always considered ourselves to be twin souls," said Williams. "But I didn't know just how incestuous a relationship it was until now!" he quipped. Williams had been power of attorney for Nichols and was named executor of his estate on January 31. But between the time of Nichols' death and the time his will was probated, Williams had no legal standing under Kentucky law. Williams' power of attorney ceased with Nichols' death. Nichols' obituary points up the continued problems faced by the surviving spouse in gay relationships, but Williams, a gay activist in Louisville, sees no remedy forthcoming from any legislative body in Kentucky. He may, however, have the last laugh: because Nichols willed nearly everything to his lover, including the cemetery plot, Williams has final control over what goes on the tombstone.