…to challenge the federal government’s deliberate neglect of thousands of queer men experiencing horrible, painful illnesses and death from AIDS complications. Even now in 2020, as in 1987, people were made to feel ashamed for having HIV. What makes HIV different from other illnesses is that HIV is transmittable.

Many of the substantial improvements and life sustaining HIV medications can be attributed to collective nationwide ACT UP chapters. There are only two active chapters remaining - New York and Philadelphia. ACT UP remains queer-based after 33 years. We acknowledge and honor our roots that are deeply embedded in queer liberation. ACT UP fights for all people with HIV and the prevention of HIV.

Fortunately people are no longer dying in massive numbers like they were in the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. That alone is a testament to AIDS activism!