The Homophobic Response to the AIDS Crisis in the U.S.A
What is AIDS?
“AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome not ‘gay cancer’, ‘gay plague,’ or ‘grid’. AIDS is believed to be a new disease in which the body’s immune system is severely damaged. At the present time, AIDS is believed to be, at least to some degree, contagious, and to affect some individuals more seriously than others.
-Mass Lawrence, ‘About Your Health’
During the early 1980’s, AIDS had become an ever-growing concern in the minds of Americans, and this brought forth a deep seated tensions and homophobic tendencies that infested the nation’s media and political institutes. In Gale’s Archives of Sexuality and Gender, it gives us a glimpse of resources that help us understand the issues and struggles experienced by these long oppressed and ignored members of society during economic hardships.
The media was initially reluctant to report on the growing epidemic
Initially dubbed as GRID (Gay-Related Immune Disorder) within scientific communities, AIDS was largely attributed- generally on the gay men community within the U.S. As the virus usually affected generally seemed to affect the vulnerable minority. So, there was a reluctance in the media to report on the growing epidemic and, without a surprise, the outbreak was largely ignored.
Consequently, a lot of newspaper stories detail the lives and experiences of AIDS sufferers. Often their portrayal are stereotypical and heavily driven by prejudice. Looking at the contrast, Congressman Gerry Studs highlighted the difference between the portrayals of gay and non-gay sufferers of the disease. The former were dismissed and liable, whilst the latter were considered innocent victims and true sufferers.
Negative media reporting around the AIDS crisis increased homophobia in society
With media coverage offering such negative and slanderous depictions of gay men within society, it is unsurprising that this social group experienced increased homophobia related to the AIDS crisis. The lack of scientific understanding of the disorder fueled increased hatred towards the community who found themselves increasingly under attack from all fronts.
Homophobia would go on to encroach into the politics of the time as well. Republican politician Jim Courter, for instance, exploited the AIDS crisis during his campaign; directly attacking the community, and threatening to dismiss gay individuals even if they did not have the disease. What is most shocking was his ability to make such statements and actively promote discrimination and prejudice in official campaigns, as it indicates the sheer lack of protective rights granted towards gay men at the time in the US. Even his rival, who challenged such statements, refused to make guarantees to the gay demographic.
Nash, Phil, and Bill Britt. “Homophobia Will Affect AIDS Policy.” Sacramento Star, July 13, 1983, 9, Archives of Sexuality and Gender.
Many gay activists and pressure groups began to fear the repercussions of the increase in homophobic politics and media, and worry about the impact it would have on dealing with the AIDS crisis. Just as the media had been slow to respond, the gay community found government efforts (such as arranging research funding) were reluctant, delayed and half-hearted.
In conclusion, I believe these primary sources show that the way sensationalist elements within the media reported on the 1980s AIDS crisis both highlighted and exacerbated toxic attitudes within American society towards the gay community.
Please note: This blog post was updated in January 2022 to clarify language and update vocabulary.
“New Jersey Election Homophobia.” Sappho’s Isle, Nov. 1989, p. [1]. Archives of Sexuality and Gender, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/ROGYHW202507376/AHSI?u=uniportsmouth&sid=bookmark-AHSI&xid=09d94ced
