Fight AIDS! How ­Activism, Art, and Protest Changed the Course of a Deadly Epidemic and Reshaped a Nation

Gr 9 Up–Through engaging short chapters, Long outlines the courageous fight of AIDS activists from the first deaths in 1981 to the breakthrough drugs of the late 1990s that make HIV undetectable. He presents the history of fierce self-advocacy in the queer community by opening with brief introductions to the 1969 Stonewall Riots and the founding of the Gay Men’s Health Project in New York City in the early 1970s. Then in a quick-paced narration, Long highlights the events of the epidemic chronologically. In response to the homophobic silence and stonewalling of the federal government, advocates came together, forming groups like the Lavender Hill Mob and more well-known ACT UP, both known for their forceful tactics, such as “die in” demonstrations and chaining themselves to federal buildings. Also discussed are nonaggressive but equally effective efforts, such as the red ribbon campaign and the AIDS quilt. Also, of note is the progression of the movement in response to the inertia of the federal government to make changes to health studies and assistance as HIV positivity grew among women and people of color. Interspersed with period, black-and-white photographs, each chapter opens with artwork from the movement. This work lacks frequent mentions of dates or a time line, but regardless it is riveting and a great choice for those interested in history or activism. Well documented with extensive source notes (index not seen), this contains frank discussion of sexual health and activities.