Queer (In)Time: AIDS Activism
The oldest New England initiatives to combat the AIDS epidemic, known as the AIDS Action Committee, was created by a group of volunteers as a Fenway Community Health Center special committee in 1983. Though the Committee became independent in 1986, it still has very close ties to Fenway Health. While not the only center of AIDS activism in Boston, the AAC’s documented activities is fairly representative of most AIDS activism at the time. The AAC provides support services, education, and health care to the AIDS community, and advocates for improved public policy and funding surrounding the illness.
Northeastern's Archives also include works from AIDS activists including Keri Lynn Duran, David Stitt, and Milburn Devenney, as well as organizations including ACT UP and Boston Living Center.
Text by Jess Bardio and Nate Brown
Flyer advertising a “Pride Dance” to fundraise for the AIDS Action Committee (June 1996)
Flyer encouraging gay men to join the “Safe Company” peer education program and hold one another accountable for safer sex practices (1990)
Photo of “Captain B. Careful” holding a sign reading “condoms save lives” and dressed as a packaged condom (1992)
Brochure containing educational information on AIDS risk factors for queer women published by the AIDS Action Committee (October 1987)
Brochure containing educational information on AIDS, safer sex, and risk factors for all women regardless of sexuality or drug usage, published by Boston Department of Health and Fenway Community Health Center (1987)
Typewritten document summarizing the history and work of the AIDS Action Committee (1988)
