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The first reported case of AIDs
In June of 1981, the first case of AIDs was recorded. This marks the beginning of this epidemic. At the time, AIDs was kept very quiet and it was frowned upon to talk about the seriousness of it. Government officials were very quiet and didn't want to acknowledge the epidemic publicly, because of the nature of the disease. Talking about homosexuality was widely unpopular, because of the discomfort and tension that it caused. -
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INTRODUCTION: How did the AIDs epidemic progress throughout the 1980s and 90s?
The AIDs epidemic was an extremely tough time for LGBTQ, drug abusers, and loved ones in the 80s and 90s. People around the world were being discriminated against for their sexuality and the way that they lived their lives. Even US government officials failed to recognize the severity of this epidemic, leaving the country in even more of a rut. This timeline represents some big key moments in progress toward gay rights and pandemic-awareness in the 80's and 90's. -
The First "Protest" During the AIDs Epidemic
In 1985, during a candle lit march in remembrance of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone, activist Cleve Jones had the idea to write loved ones names on signs who were lost due to the AIDs epidemic. This sparked some passion throughout the country, convincing many activists to start speaking up. These protests originally came from lack of recognition for the loved ones who'd been lost to this horrible epidemic, since there was still such a negative light being shone on homosexuals during the time. -
Broadcasting of the Seriousness of the AIDs Epidemic Begins
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1159041/m1/ During the mid 80's, AIDs began to pick up more news coverage. News channels were starting to publicly broadcast the progression and growth of this virus, and the seriousness of the threat. Doctors were now speaking publicly about the importance of containing the spread. At the time, people who were of certain religious background didn't take this epidemic seriously, since their main focus was homosexuality. -
Reagan Speaks to The American Foundation for AIDs Research
Ronald Reagan was a very controversial figure during the AIDs epidemic. It took him 6 years to publicly speak about the toll it was taking on America. He became president in 1981, and didn't speak to the public about the severity of this outbreak until 1987, when this picture was taken. Though he was late to speaking on this epidemic, he thanked doctors for taking risks, recognized AIDs' severity (to an extent), and did his best to reassure Americans that they are working hard to make progress. -
Doctors Start Speaking Up
In the mid-late 80's, doctors were doing a lot of talking. Mostly about the science and statistics of the pandemic, and the importance of containing the spread of AIDs. However, doctors weren't allowed much of a public opinion in terms of the controversy that had erupted world-wide. In this newspaper article, the doctor who talks about his position as a surgeon and a healthcare provider explains the fear he has in his everyday job and the way the controversy around the world is affecting him. -
Doctors Start Speaking Up
The doctor in this article relives a recent interaction between him and a patient. His patient says "I don't want any of that AIDs blood." and Dr. Rendall replies by saying "Nobody does." You can already see the nonchalant nature of this woman's concern for the seriousness of AIDs. "I want some monkey blood so I can hop around," she jokes, "I'm tired of hobbling." This is how the newspaper article starts, giving the audience a snippet of the reality of some people's lack of concern at the time. -
Doctors Start Speaking Up
In the article, a lot more information is given about the science of this epidemic after the doctor finishes his conversation with the reporter about the concern he faces for his future in medicine. A lot of information is given to help prevent spread, and how to be smarter overall in the future of the epidemic. This article aimed to reach for empathy from patients, so that they'd show more concern for the way their choice between AIDs screening and refusal is affecting others. -
"Life Leap" AIDs Benefit
In 1988, a choreographer by the name of Marguerite Derriks created a benefit with 85 dancers and 10 choreographers that sent all of its proceeds to benefit "AIDs Project Los Angeles". This brought lots of awareness to this organization and gave silent activists an outlet to support people with AIDs. -
Doctors Start Speaking Up
Dr. John Rendall explained the constant fear he lives in as an orthopedic surgeon. He felt unprotected from the blood that he may touch during a surgery, never knowing if it's positive for AIDs. He feels that the materials he uses to safely operate on patients who refuse AIDs screening are not good enough. Dr. Rendall struggled to convince patients to get tested for AIDs before surgery, because of the controversy that is surrounding the epidemic at the time. This causes major safety concerns. -
Marching in Sacramento
In 1989 another candlelit march took place in Sacramento, California. They marched in remembrance for AIDs victims who'd passed due to the disease. This march took place in front California's state capitol on May 5th of 1989 by the photographer named Dick Schmidt. It captures the peacefulness of this march, and you can see that the march was high in density. Marching for remembrance became a very big trend in the world of activists, because it brought beauty to the tragedy of the truth. -
Protesting for Gay Rights Picking Up All Over the Country
During the late 80's, protesting for gay rights became a lot more popular. Ordinances were being created that contradicted fair treatment to AIDs patients, which brought more activism. The day this photo was taken, protestors advocating for homosexual-rights held a demonstration in front of the O.C. board of supervisors office protesting their rejection of an AIDS anti-discrimination ordinance. On the opposite side of them is a group that was counter-protesting for less rights for homosexuals. -
Bill Clinton as President
In 1993, Clinton became president. After Reagan's presidency, LGBTQ Americans were hopeful that this time they'd be understood and treated with respect. There were hopeful to have a Democrat in office, after their negative experiences with Reagan who's a Republican. In this photo, he is introducing the first Federal AIDs Coordinator who goes by the name of Kristine Gebbie. The beginning of Clinton's presidency felt like relief for many Americans who were struggling with the AIDs controversy.