For Lisalee Egbert, assistant professor in the Department of Modern Languages, the panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt on display at UTA Libraries is more than just a piece of history—it is a connection to her brother Kyle Lee, who died from the disease more than 30 years ago.
Lee's goal was to become a writer, and he was always filling notebooks with his stories. He was taking classes at Tarrant County College to pursue his dream, but his plans were put on hold when he was forced to leave home.
Egbert recalls coming home one day and finding her brother's room completely emptied. She asked her parents where he had gone, and they responded, "he went to go find himself."
At the time, Egbert didn't understand that her parents meant Lee had come out of the closet and he was forced to leave. Luckily, with the help of her other siblings she was able to reconnect with him and corresponded via letters.
As the years passed, the relationship at home softened when the news came Lee had been diagnosed with AIDS. He underwent treatment and testing to help extend his life, but passed away at the age of 35.
Egbert remembers her brother as someone who could connect with anyone and make them feel special. She named her son in his memory.
"Kyle was very personable, and he could navigate all types of social setting and environments," she said. "He was a beautiful person."
Before Lee passed, he asked his family members to create a section of the quilt so that people would know his story. He wanted people to know that he died from AIDS.
Two sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt are in honor of Lee—one made by his family and the other by his friends. The section made by family features photos and personal items with a strong connection to Lee.
Egbert wants people to know as they look at the quilt panel that its eight sections represent eight individuals.
"These individuals had hopes, dreams and ambitions and had people who cared and loved for them and miss them today," she said.
