Catalogue Number
NMLH.2020.5.152
Object Name
Badge
Title
THOSE WHO THINK AIDS IS A PLAGUE SENT BY GOD HAVE NEVER MET MY GOD COPYRIGHT 1988
People
Ernest Hole
Events
AIDS epidemic
Description
Large white badge with a cross in the centre in pink colour,with text inside that reads "THOSE WHO THINK AIDS IS A PLAGUE SENT BY GOD HAVE NEVER MET MY GOD". On the reverse, there is a sticker with text reading "LAMBDA DESIGNS 5680 Starkey Rd., S.W. Roanoke, VA 24014 (703) 774- 1872."
The HIV/AIDS epidemic began in the early 1980s, mostly affecting LGBTQIA and other marginalised communities, such as sex workers and intravenous drug users. The epidemic was largely dismissed by medical and government officials, who first named the syndrome GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency) and used it to justify their homophobic and transphobic policies, attitudes, and misinformation. During the 1980s and 1990s, hundreds of thousands of people died after contracting HIV/AIDS, hugely affecting LGBTQIA communities for years to come. Despite there now being very effective treatments, there are still millions of people living and dying with HIV/AIDS every year particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Marginalised people continue to be most vulnerable to facing HIV/AIDS discrimination.
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