ACT UP NY: Founded in 1987, ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), is a diverse, non-partisan group of individuals united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis. ACT UP NY meets every Monday night at 7:00 PM in Manhattan at the The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (208 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011).

BY ACT UP NY

As AIDS activists entering our fourth decade of direct action movement work against HIV, ACT UP New York offers a view of “what’s next” in the fight to end the epidemic.

Faced with an abominable orange head (of state) who is immune to shame, a focus on proactive engagement is key to challenging the overwhelming funding cuts, diversions, deceptions, and back-sliding policies that have put the HIV community at risk.

Given such dire political times and considering our early history of dramatic, paradigm shattering accomplishments, later tenacious gains as our movement and principles spread to care and policy areas globally and the recent advancement of the game changing preventive measures of “PrEP”, “PEP”, and “U=U”, some may think that the work of AIDS activists is largely done. But they would be wrong.

Let’s take a look at some clear-eyed achievable ways we can oppose those challenges, continue the fight, improve the lives of people with and at risk of HIV infection, and finally end the ongoing epidemic status of HIV.

Education and 21st Century Policy and Prevention Strategies
Decriminalization as Public Health Policy for HIV in Sex Work and Drug Use
Greed and Apathy: Familiar Barriers to Effective, Novel, and Accessible Treatment, Housing, Care, and Cure
Aging and HIV: The Cumulative Effect of Infection, Inaction, Greed and Stigma.