Seeking Stories of Queer California: A Hidden Histories Online Exhibit

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS: the abbreviation for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). As a definition, it does not convey the weight and the impact this disease has had on the LGBTQ+ community and its history. In addition to the devastating loss of life, the stigma, fear, and discrimination towards gay men specifically were intensified by the epidemic. But out of those ashes grew a movement of defiance, resilience, and solidarity. Activism and advocacy led to significant advancements in HIV/AIDS research, treatment, and prevention, work which continues to this day.

Collection Information


For more information on the materials in this gallery, see their holding institutions.

California History Section, California State Library
Don't Give Him Anything but Love

Center for the Study of Political Graphics
AIDSPHOBIA: Protect Yourself from Hollywood
Connie Norman, AIDS Diva
Pete Jimenez Memorial
Prisoners with AIDS Have the Right to Live

Claremont Colleges Special Collections and Archives
Allied Against AIDS

Gerth Archives & Special Collections at California State University, Dominguez Hills
Names Project Foundation AIDS Quilt booklet
Twista: Trans Women Informing Sista Trans Women on AIDS

Historical Society of Long Beach
Painted Rocks by Ray Lowen

LAPL Photograph Collections
Support for AIDS Research rally

The Outwords Archive
David Strachan Oral History
Miguel Criado Oral History

This page has paths:

  1. Seeking Stories in Queer California Beth McDonald

This page has tags:

  1. Galleries Beth McDonald

Contents of this tag:

  1. Twista: Trans Women Informing Sista Trans Women on AIDS, 2009
  2. ACT UP die-in, Sacramento, 1988
  3. Shroud of Curad, by Jerome Caja, 1993
  4. HIV Discrimination sign, undated
  5. The Names Project Foundation: AIDS Memorial Quilt booklet, circa 1995
  6. Safe Sex: Are You Man Enough?
  7. David Strachan Outwords profile
  8. Painted Rocks by Ray Lowen, undated
  9. Allied Against AIDS, 2014.
  10. Pete Jimenez Memorial, 2012
  11. Don't Give Him Anything But Love, 1973
  12. AIDSPHOBIA : Protect Yourself from Hollywood, 1991
  13. Connie Norman, AIDS Diva, 1996
  14. Prisoners With AIDS Have the Right to Live, circa 1991
  15. Miguel Criado Outwords profile
  16. Support for AIDS Research, 1983