AIDS Activists Activism

An AIDS activist is someone who campaigns for the rights and well-being of people affected by HIV/AIDS, and for a societal response to the pandemic. AIDS activism has taken place since the 1980s, and has involved a variety of efforts, including:

Raising awareness: AIDS activism seeks to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and fight stigma.
Advocating for rights: AIDS activists advocate for the rights and access to treatment for people with HIV/AIDS.
Fighting discrimination: AIDS activists fight discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.
Mobilizing funding: AIDS activists mobilize funding sources for treatment and care.
Advancing science: AIDS activists work to scientifically advance treatment for HIV/AIDS.
Changing policies: AIDS activists work to change government policies and popular culture.

AIDS activism began in the early 1980s in response to the AIDS epidemic in gay communities. One example of AIDS activism is the work of ACT UP, an organization that disrupted the FDA headquarters in 1988 to demand changes to the drug approval process

Bob Bowers HIV/AIDS survivor AIDS Memorial Quilt Washington, DC National Mall Activist Advocate

ACT UP - Silence = death

COMPASSION IS OUR CURE®

I just wanted to tell you that your site brought both tears to my eyes, chills to my skin, and peace to my heart. I have not been directly affected by AIDS on a personal level, however, being a nurse, my final goal is to be involved in the fight for research and a cure. I never look at people's websites, but something told me to check yours out. I have been directly affected by cancer several times which is another type of research I'd like to do, but I feel like the Lord is pushing me to work with HIV/AIDS patients and I'm not really sure why. And I love your saying Compassion is our cure.... b/c it is the truth in this world through and through. I just really wanted to say I think it's awesome what you are doing, and I wish more people would be on the proactive side of this fight.

~ Erin

one Tough Pirate

You have to be one of the most amazing men. This just shows people that you can't tell from the outside someone is living with AIDS. Protect yourself and others. I love how open and honest you are about your life. And how AIDS hasn't made you lay down and die.
~ Bren

About Bob Bowers

LONG-TERM SURVIVOR

long-term HIV/AIDS survivor advocate educator activist Bob Bowers Service Dog Sir Duke Bowers CGC

"Long-Term Survivors are defined as having a HIV/AIDS diagnosis before 1996. They share those earliest and darkest years of the epidemic when there were no effective treatments. Effective treatments were available in 1995-96. Protease inhibitors transformed HIV infection from a “death sentence” to a more chronic but manageable condition."

SURVIVE!

LONG-TERM SURVIVOR

"My personal ambition is to inspire and motivate everyone to be victorious in life's challenges. In this process I educate about the cause of HIV/AIDS, the consequences of having it, and how I have survived for 42 years."

~ Bob Bowers

AIDS Isn’t Over

AIDS activists activism Houston Texas HIV awareness

"The world may have moved on, but HIV/AIDS is still here. I’ve lost too many friends, fought too many battles, and seen too much injustice to stop now. I continue this work not just in their memory, but for those still fighting today."

~ Bob Bowers

More Than a Survivor

"I’m not just a long-term survivor—I’m a warrior, an advocate, and a witness to history. I’ve seen the worst of this epidemic, but I’ve also seen the best of humanity. And as long as I have breath, I’ll keep fighting for a world where no one has to face HIV alone."

~ Bob Bowers

Aging with HIV/AIDS

"Even when my voice quivered, even when the weight of my past tried to pull me down, I kept talking. Because I wasn’t standing up there as some perfect example. I was standing up there as proof that imperfection doesn’t disqualify you from making a difference."

~ Bob Bowers

Bob Bowers HIV long term survivor

Even when HIV is well-controlled, people may develop aging-related conditions at a younger age. People living with HIV are significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without HIV. Older people living with HIV also have an increased risk of dementia, diabetes, osteoporosis, frailty, some cancers, and falls. It is common for older adults with HIV to experience mental illness, especially depression and addiction, and they tend to be more isolated, according to the National Institute on Aging.

HIV and Aging

Compassion is Our Cure -- HIV/AIDS Advocacy and the Power of Compassion in Action

"Compassion Is Our Cure"

AIDS ACtivists/activism

AIDS Activism for The Campaign to END AIDS

AIDS Activism for The Campaign to END AIDS

AIDS Activism for The Campaign to END AIDS

AIDS Activists Rule!

AIDS Activism for The Campaign to END AIDS

AIDS Activism for The Campaign to END AIDS

A Voice for Change

AIDS ACtivists/activism

AIDS Activism for ACT UP

AIDS Activists during the Campaign to END AIDS!

The True Tale of One Tough Pirate