The History of the Legendary ACT UP Activism- Do We Need it Back?

ACT UP was a landmark organization that took LGBTQ rights activism to a new level of in-your-face activism. Do we need to return to that kind of strategy abainst the new wave of homo- and trans-phobia? We talk to author Ron Goldberg today to get his input. We will be discussing the history of ACT UP New York and his upcoming book Boy With The Bullhorn .

Boy With The Bullhorn: A Memoir and History of ACT UP New York is Goldberg’s immersive and chronological history of the New York chapter of ACT UP, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, and a memoir of his coming of age during the darkest years of the AIDS epidemic, told with great energy and surprising humor with an intimate look into ACT UP’s structure, processes, tactics and strategies. The book provides lessons and insights for new generations of activists, highlighting key demonstrations and lesser-known actions as the group successfully battles politicians, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, religious leaders, the media, and an often-uncaring public to change the course of the AIDS epidemic.

Ron is a writer and activist. His articles have appeared in OutWeekand POZ magazines, Central Park, and The Visual AIDS Blog. Ron served as a research associate for filmmaker and journalist David France on his award-winning book, How to Survive a Plague, and enjoys speaking at high schools and colleges about the history of AIDS and the lessons and legacy of ACT UP. 

With Co-host Brody Levesque