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the AIDS activist project, a book of portraits of AIDS activists from 1989-1998. Now available on Amazon - link in profile.

Nadine Lurie and Sara Schleimer, ACT UP Golden Gat

Nadine Lurie and Sara Schleimer, ACT UP Golden Gate, Photographed in San Fransisco , 1997

"The 90s were a medley of burying friend after friend after friend. We both worked for UCSF at the at the San Francisco General hospital. Sara got involved in bench science and then clinical trials. Nadine did admin to support Ward 86. ACT UP/GG was our family."

Ron Goldberg, ACT UP New York, Photographed in NYC

Ron Goldberg, ACT UP New York, Photographed in NYC, 1991

AIDS Activist. Protest Organizer. Chant Queen. — Boy with the Bullhorn.

My most vivid memory of Ron is from an ACT UP meeting in New York. He was in front of the meeting room talking about a "fax zap". (I know we're dating ourselves by even mentioning "faxing", it's an ancient technology.)

Anyway, he was up in front of the room explaining how one executed a fax zap. He instructed us to get several sheets of paper with the message or demands of the “fax zap" printed on them, then tape them together, to form a long strip; start feeding them into the fax machine, then tape the ends of the strip together so it formed a loop. This way the fax machine continually delivers ACT UP’s message to the recipient, until their paper runs out - True genius!

Check out Ron’s ‘Boy with the Bullhorn” A Memoir of ACT UP and AIDS
Activism here ——> https://www.boywiththebullhorn.com/

the AIDS activist project is available through amazon here ——> https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc
Or directly from us here, free shipping ——> https://bit.ly/TAAPstore

Saundra Johnson - ACT UP New York, Photographed in

Saundra Johnson - ACT UP New York, Photographed in NYC, 1992

I chose this image of Saundra for the book because I believe it represents the hard work and dedication that AIDS Activists possess. There was so much work done behind the scenes - before and after the demonstrations, dealing with drug companies, confronting politicians and working to get real information about AIDS out to the public. It was hard work, difficult at times, but Activists like Saundra got it done.

This is a photograph of a dedicated and beautiful activist.

the AIDS activist project tia available through amazon here ——> https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc
Or directly from us here, free shipping ——> https://bit.ly/TAAPstore

ACT UP - Broken Promises, 1992. When Bill Clinton

ACT UP - Broken Promises, 1992. When Bill Clinton was President, ACT UP had a demonstration campaign called "Broken Promises" This was taken in New York during Gay Pride of 1996.

the AIDS activist project tia available through amazon here ——> https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc
Or directly from us here, free shipping ——> https://bit.ly/TAAPstore

ACT UP New York, Wall Street is a Drag Demonstrati

ACT UP New York, Wall Street is a Drag Demonstration. March 1997(?)

I’m not sure about the date of this image, as far as my somewhat reliable filling system, I have it as March 1997. I’m not sure if that’s correct, it might have been earlier. If any one can confirm or correct me on this, it would be appreciated.

the AIDS activist project tia available through amazon here ——> https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc
Or directly from us here, free shipping ——> https://bit.ly/TAAPstore

This is from a demonstration of the Latino Caucus

This is from a demonstration of the Latino Caucus in ACT UP New York. It was in February of 1991. And as you can see even though it’s a cold, rainy, winter day in New York City, ACT UP was out on the streets. ACT UP was even more determined than the post office.

When I was shooting during this demo, I saw this activist in a mask and I was ready to take the photo if they looked at the camera, when they did I got this shot. I never got to see who it was, but it wold be amazing to find out now, nearly 30 years later. Any one have any clues?

It’s on Broome and 6th Avenue, possibly the Latino Commission on AIDS was housed there, I’m not sure of the specifics. If any fellow activists want to weigh in and correct me on anything, it would be much appreciated.

This is one of the demo photos we included in the AIDS activist project. When Scott was doing the layout we included 2 page spreads through out the book with multiple images of demonstrations and actions. We thought it would give the book some more background visuals.

the AIDS activist project tia available through amazon here ——> https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc
Or directly from us here, free shipping ——> https://bit.ly/TAAPstore

Rollerena, ACT UP New York, photographed in NYC, 1

Rollerena, ACT UP New York, photographed in NYC, 1990.

I first met Rollerena in 1981, at the Gay Pride March. I’ve included that as the second image here as well.
Little did I know, 10 years later we would meet under much different circumstances.

“It’s almost like it never happened. I mean, this whole new generation, okay, you’ve got medication, so we’ll prolong their lives. They didn’t go through what we went through. So I don’t know if we could ever have a movement like ACT UP. ACT UP was, like, unique, because it was a unique time, because with all the efforts that went into ACT UP that all the people put into to get where we are today has helped this generation.” - (This excerpt is from the ACT UP Oral History Project interview with Rollerena by SaraSchulman.)

"the AIDS activist project is available on amazon ----> https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc

Tom Cunningham, ACT UP New York, Photographed in N

Tom Cunningham, ACT UP New York, Photographed in NYC, 1990

I remember Tom facilitating ACT UP NY meetings at the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center on 13th Street, NYC. I think if you knew Tom, this image really speaks to who he was. There is so much going on behind those eyes, beneath the calm exterior.

I did not realize, or know, until I started the book and did research on people who were included in the book, how much or the range of work people were doing in the fight against AIDS. I knew them from meetings and demonstrations, but there was so much more. Many of the people in ACT UP New York, and ACT UP chapters around the world worked in less publicized yet incredibly important aspects of fighting AIDS.

Tom worked with people who were deaf and people with other disabilities. He headed the media for the Health Education AIDS Liaison and worked to bring AIDS programs to Hispanics and disabled New Yorkers.

He is a Hero. It's important we know who he and people he fought alongside him are. Without them we would not be where we are today.

I am grateful, honored, to have known people like Tom. To have fought along side them during the AIDS crisis is an honor and a blessing. I will never forget.

Tom died on December 9, 1992, due to complication from AIDS at the age of 32.

"the AIDS activist project" is available on amazon here ---> https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc

Ann Northrop, ACT UP New York, NYC, 1992. I have t

Ann Northrop, ACT UP New York, NYC, 1992. I have the fondest memories of Ann facilitating the meetings of ACT UP New York. I always considered her the "Den Mother" of ACT UP.
She is a force to be reckoned with, a wonderful person and dedicated activist.

We just made more copies of the book, "the AIDS ac

We just made more copies of the book, "the AIDS activist project" available on Amazon for $24.96. Go to - https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc - to pick up a copy. And as always, thank you for the support!! ~ Bill

I met Jay Blotcher at an ACT UP New York meeting i

I met Jay Blotcher at an ACT UP New York meeting in 1988, he was head of the Media Committee at the time. I was new to ACT UP and a bit intimidated by the meetings. I thought joining this committee and contributing my photography to the cause was a good start in getting to know people in the group. Jay put me to work photographing committees, meetings and demonstrations.

One thing that I will always remember Jay for is a flyer he made for the project. There was literature table in the back of the room for people to get information out to the group. I hoped to have people volunteer to be part of the project, so Jay made a flyer that read - "Donate your face to AIDS Activism Her/History”.

Jay has a way including humor and fact for impact. I’ll always be grateful for his help with this project.

We were able to use the original fax of his statement for the book, it reads:
When I joined ACT UP, I was a nice Jewish boy from the suburbs, and I was forced to unlearn the pretty lies that society drills into us to keep us in check: That the policeman is our friend, that the government will take care of us and that good people don’t lie down in the middle of the street and get arrested.

“the AIDS activists project” is available from amazon here: https://theaidsactivistproject.org/purchase/

I am sorry to report the death of Larry Kramer tod

I am sorry to report the death of Larry Kramer today. Larry lived his life out loud, with purpose and conviction. Without his early leadership and activism to fight AIDS, the Crisis would have been much worse.

I am honored to have Larry included in the AIDS activist project. He came to the studio in 1990 accompanied by his dog, Molly. I always had the utmost respect for this man. I remember Larry telling me he thought the photos from the shoot we did together were some of the best photographs anyone had taken. Coming from him, that meant a lot. I have many incredible memories of his activism and speeches.

Larry, thank you for the inspiration, conviction and activism. We will carry on the fight!

From the New York Times today: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/us/larry-kramer-dead.html?referringSource=articleShare

I had the opportunity to photograph Rebecca while

I had the opportunity to photograph Rebecca while I was in St. Louis working on
the book "the AIDS activist project" in 1992. Many thanks to Rebecca for adding her voice to the project.
The book is available on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc

I am in San Francisco for work at the moment. I ha

I am in San Francisco for work at the moment. I had some time, thought I'd check out Golden Gate Park. Saw a random spot to park, pulled in and in front of me was the entrance to the National AIDS Memorial. I wasn't aware where the memorial was, but think it was a twist of fate that brought me there.
It was a beautiful, tranquil,and moving experience for me. I felt the calm, the spirits and the love of everyone we lost. I spent some time there and will go back to remember again.

Robert Farber ACT UP New York Photographed in NYC

Robert Farber
ACT UP New York
Photographed in NYC, 1990. "I have AIDS. I take a lot of medicine to buy time.
But there is really nothing anyone can do to change my situation.
I know how this story will end.
The only content on my life os my dog, Virgil.
He brings me comfort and joy every day.
He is my ray of light." Robert was an artist known for his installations and paintings dealing with AIDS. He was also an actor, having appeared in Off Broadway and repertory productions, in addition to having been a theater instructor at the State University of New York at Purchase. In “I Thought I Had Time”, a one-man show exhibited at Artist’s Space in 1992, Robert created
an installation that used historical texts and interviews with People with AIDS to draw comparisons between AIDS and the bubonic plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th century. The installation included nine paintings from his “Western Blot Series,” named for one of the tests used to detect HIV. In his review, Holland Cotter of The New York Times called it a work of “immense restraint and poise.” Robert Farber died in December 1995 at the age of 47 of complications from AIDS.

The book, "the AIDS activist project" is now available on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2M0yvFc

Peter Staley ACT UP New York Photographed in NYC 1

Peter Staley
ACT UP New York
Photographed in NYC 1990

Peter Staley has quite an extensive history of activism. He's quite an outspoken gentleman and has contributed much to the goal of conquering AIDS over the years.
He's a staunch AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, one of the early ACT UP members, founded the Treatment Action Group and was a prominent figure in the documentary - "How to Survive a Plague".

Mona Bennett ACT UP Atlanta Photographed in Atlant

Mona Bennett
ACT UP Atlanta
Photographed in Atlanta 1992

I met Mona in 1992, she was the office administrator of ACT UP Atlanta, she was instrumental in helping me get in touch with so many activists in the Atlanta area.
The banner hanging in the background “Welcome to Georgia, Sodomites” welcomed fellow activists at the Atlanta airport as they arrived for the 1990 demonstrations to protest the CDC’s definition of AIDS.
Mona lives in the Atlanta area, she is the Co-founder and ambassador of the Atlanta Harm Reduction Center. Still Involved in stopping the spread of AIDS, you can not keep a great activist down!

Moises Agosto ACT UP New York Photographed in NYC

Moises Agosto
ACT UP New York
Photographed in NYC, 1990

When I first learned about AIDS, they were talking about a Gay Cancer. I was living in Puerto Rico and starting to come out of the closet. That Gay Cancer scared me a little bit, but that was something happening in Gringoland and not my enchanted island.

My reaction was to keep going because nothing was going to touch me. I was 19.

When I came out, I was such a naive boy, I got involved with a man who was a doctor, but never talked to me about safe sex. I was 20, he was 30. When we broke up I saw freedom and had sex like crazy. My lover used to tell me, ‘Be careful, protect yourself.” But he never told me how.

A few months later I got an infection that never went away. I got scared and decided to get tested for the AIDS virus. I went to get tested and waited for two weeks. I went to get the results by myself and when I got to the office, the guy who had my test results asked me if knew I had been HIV+. I said yes, and he said that I was HIV+, and they didn’t have a cure but he recommended vitamins and exercise, and that was it.

I played the role of a mature man, you know, the superman syndrome, and I left the office so confused.

On the way home I started to cry in the middle of the highway. My life was destroyed.

I came to ACT UP and immediately started to work translating information into Spanish. The concept of direct action, being among other people fighting for their lives, the commitment and dedication in that place got my heart.

My Latino community in New York and Puerto Rico needs information and access to health care. This government doesn’t care and we have to change that.
ACT-ing UP is my agenda, direct action and and information is my way of fighting and no matter that I don’t know how long I will be around, my words and actions will keep the fight long after I am dead.

ACT UP CONTRAATACA EN LA MUCH CONTRA EL SIDA - Moises Agosto,Homosexual Puerto Rican living with HIV

Michael Wiggins ACT UP New York Photographed n NYC

Michael Wiggins
ACT UP New York
Photographed n NYC 1990

Words are like the shell of a fruit that has been peeled away and discarded. I ate the sweet part and left the rind for you so suck on.

My father is the oldest of 12 children. He grew up without electricity or running water in a West Virginia coal town that does not exist anymore. Both he and my mother started picking cotton before they reached the age of 10. They were married in 1960. My mother was 16 years old. that same year my father joined the Air Force and did 2 tours in Vietnam. In 1963 my mother spent her last few dollars to take the bus from Cleveland to the Military Base in Sacramento to join my father. She says she couldn’t live without him. My brother was born that year. I arrived in 1968, just before Martin was shot. How could they have expected such a cataclysm.

I have no moral convictions beyond the few that convince me that I and people like me have aright to live.

Phil Zwickler Photographed in NYC, 1990 I photogr

Phil Zwickler
Photographed in NYC, 1990

I photographed Phil in my studio on East 14th Street. He was an intense man and a noted filmmaker. Among the films he is noted for are: “Positive” and “Silence Equals Death”, in which he collaborated with German filmmaker Rosa van Praunheim. The last film he made was “Needle Nightmare” in which he dealt with his fear of the treatment and clinical issues dealing with AIDS.
For several years, Mr. Zwickler was the editor of People With AIDS Coalition Newsline, an international publication written by and for people with AIDS and HIV infection.
A Foundation was set up in his name, The Phil Zwickler Charitable and Memorial Trust, website: http://www.pzfoundation.org/philzwickler/
Phil died at home on May 7, 1991. He was 36 years old.

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