Reposted by grim grim grim ace ace ace
On the first National Coming Out Day, in 1988, ACT UP stormed the FDA headquarters to demand faster development of HIV/AIDS treatments.
![[Photo of QUEER AND HOW WE GOT HERE page 38]
“On the first National Coming Out Day, in 1988, ACT UP protested the slow testing of potential AIDS medications. They pict a unique target with the power to make the changes: the FDA headquarters.”
[Full-page illustration of of ACT UP protesting at the FDA headquarters, which looks like a boring office building. Riot cops guard the door. Overhead, ACT UP has hung a “SILENCE = DEATH” banner and various posters. Protesters in white lab coats with “FDA Has [red handprints]” written on the back hold up their bloody-looking hands. Protesters doing a die-in hold gravestone-shaped signs reading “Dead from lack of drugs,” “R.I.P. killed by the F.D.A.,” “Killed by the system,” “I died for the sins of the FDA,” “Dead from lack of dextran sulfate.” Overlaying the illustration are protest chants: “The FDA has blood on its hands!” “FDA! Don’t delay! Fifty-two will die today!” “Act up! Fight back! Fight AIDS!”]
“They forced the FDA to approve and release drugs faster, and got people with AIDS involved in designing the drug trials. ACT UP’s media coverage created a powerful image of people with AIDS and their allies.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:twccexjsbh6y2tyhysjrhc2v/bafkreichqvnfvx54logrd4vjmj3ipscydj5qciwurxsfzdsbdvet2tt7bq)
grim grim grim ace ace ace
@softgrimace.bsky.social
206 followers 687 following 8 posts
pfp by Wes Cook, via Cabel Sasser's xoxo talk
