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The Epidemic: Introduction
Within the years of the early-late 1980s, A deadly outbreak took its toll on the entire country. During this time, the community was pinned against surviving the life changing epidemic and surviving the hate coming from those outside of the community. While the epidemic affected anyone, majority targeting the LGBTQ, claiming they are reason this epidemic made its appearance. With this at hand, what impact did this epidemic have on the country and how did it affect the queer individuals? -
The Epidemic: The history behind the roaring epidemic
The AIDS epidemic was first discovered in the early 1980s among the queer community, or more specifically, the male homosexual community. The disease was spread through same sex sexual contact and the use of certain needles. As the outbreak had a rapid, many individuals lost their lives as there wasn't treatment at the time. -
The Epidemic: The Beginning of the epidemic era (Artifact 1)
In Los Angeles, California, doctors discovered an unusual sickness, or in their words, unusual pneumonia. Thus, being the first discovery of what was soon to be a deadly outbreak. With this information, people assumed it came from the LGBTQ community which resulted in the upcoming epidemic being referred to as the "gay cancer" which sparks a war. -
The Epidemic: Rare cancer introduces the disease
A month after the first discovery, the disease started to affect more than 5 individuals. There was a description of 41 cases of a Karposi's Sarcoma, which is a rare skin lesion cancer. -
The Epidemic: Fatal Disease takes lives
2 months after the discovery, two rare diseases have affected over 100 homosexual men across the country, half of them losing their lives. Around this time, information has come out, explaining how parasitic orgasms within men are a major contribution to this disease. Doctors explained how majority of the symptoms were unusual and only affected certain cancer patients. The answer on why this only had an affect on the homosexual community was unclear, as there was no answer. -
The Epidemic: End of 1981
By the end of the year, there have been reports that harmless viruses and bacteria can be a cause of illness for queer men. As a result, there were a total of 21 deaths. -
The Epidemic: Mid Outbreak, Bigger problems
The beginning to mid-1980s were the peak years for the disease outbreak. In 1985, there had been a percentage of 96% of homosexual men who were affected from the disease. This information clarify that majority of the population who test positive were majority men. -
The Epidemic: An out of control situation, with no solution
Around the same time, after the speech from former president, Ronald Raegan, he announces how this disease is added to the list of others, making it more difficult for immigrants to live within the states. -
The Epidemic: Out of Control (Artifact 2)
Toward the end of the outbreak, headlines broke as the epidemic spun out of control. It was announced that over 1.5 million Americans were carrying the virus. Over 36,000 individuals developed the virus and half of them have died. -
The Epidemic: Mid Outbreak Updated
In 1985, the percentage of 96% was the amount of individuals at risk. Toward the end of 1987, there had been a decrease in percentage going from 96% to 79% of cases accounted for homosexual men. -
The Epidemic: The Slow Down (Artifact 3)
Within the last few years of the 1980s, the HIV virus had a sharp decrease in victims. The total for 1988 was set to 1,200 compared to the 2,200 and more with the years prior to 1988. News struck that there had been a slow down due to those who chose to no longer get tested. While there had been a decrease in numbers publicly, it is unknown if there had actually been a decrease during the time, as individuals knew they potentially had the virus before getting tested. -
The Epidemic: Downfall the Outbreak?
In the late 1980s, medical officials spotted a slow down and decrease within the AIDS disease. While the disease was still present, there had been a percentage decrease and less death. Within the years 1985-1987, the percentage fell from 96% to 79% -
The Epidemic: Not the End
From beginning to the end of the epidemic, there have been increases and decreases in results. As there have been decreases, that is due to unknown individuals who chose not to take a chance. No treatments/cures were found to resolve the ongoing issue. -
The Epidemic: Conclusion
The AIDS epidemic took many lives within the community. While there had been a slow start, there was a rapid increase putting the lives of the LGBTQ individuals at a high risk. The homosexual men specifically were the ones affected the most. Outside of worrying about the disease, there had been hate toward the community because of the lifestyle, along with the epidemic. This being the huge effect on the LGBTQ members. AIDS are still an ongoing issue, this time, a treatment is included. -
Artifact 2
Prentice,, Thomson. "Aids epidemic is 'out of control'." Times, 1 June 1987, p. 3. The Times Digital Archive, link-gale-com.utk.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/IF0501714368/GDCS?u=knox61277&sid=bookmark-GDCS&xid=a2caa89b. Accessed 17 May 2023. -
Artifact 3
Hodgkinson, Neville, Medical Correspondent. "Aids epidemic slows as habits start to change." Sunday Times, 2 Oct. 1988, p. 4. The Sunday Times Historical Archive, link-gale-com.utk.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/FP1802894860/GDCS?u=knox61277&sid=bookmark-GDCS&xid=de8ac12b. Accessed 17 May 2023. -
Artifact 1
“The AIDS Epidemic: 1981-1987.” The New York Times, archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/national/science/aids/timeline80-87.html. Accessed 17 May 2023.