ACT UP

A pink triangle against a black backdrop with the words 'Silence=Death' representing an advertisement for The Silence = Death Project used by permission by ACT-UP, The AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power. Wellcome L0052822

Demonstrators at the "Storm the NIH" Event (14358485404)

Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill protest

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ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) is an international, grassroots political group working to end the AIDS pandemic. The organization was founded in March 1987 in New York City by a group of activists led by Larry Kramer. The group's aim is to bring attention to the AIDS crisis through direct action, advocacy, research, and raising public awareness.

History

ACT UP was formed in response to the widespread apathy and neglect by government agencies, the medical establishment, and the general public towards the AIDS crisis. During its initial meeting at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center in New York, Larry Kramer spoke passionately about the urgent need for action, which led to the formation of the group. ACT UP's first demonstration took place on Wall Street on March 24, 1987, to protest against the high prices of AZT, the only drug approved for treating AIDS at the time.

Tactics and Achievements

ACT UP employs a variety of direct action tactics, including sit-ins, die-ins, and the disruption of public events to draw attention to the AIDS crisis. One of their most notable actions was the "Seize Control of the FDA" in 1988, where hundreds of activists surrounded the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters to demand faster drug approval processes. This action is credited with significantly impacting the FDA's drug approval policies, leading to quicker access to experimental AIDS treatments.

The group also played a crucial role in the establishment of the National Institutes of Health's Office of AIDS Research in 1993, which centralized AIDS research funding in the United States. ACT UP's efforts have been instrumental in increasing funding for AIDS research and treatment, reducing drug prices, and improving the lives of people with AIDS.

Chapters and Influence

ACT UP has chapters in various cities around the world, including San Francisco, Paris, and London. Each chapter operates independently but shares the common goal of ending the AIDS pandemic. The organization's influence extends beyond its direct actions; it has also significantly impacted the culture and perception of AIDS, bringing the crisis into the public eye and advocating for the rights and dignity of people living with AIDS.

Legacy

ACT UP's legacy is seen in its contributions to the fight against AIDS and its influence on health activism. The group's actions have led to significant changes in public policy, drug approval processes, and the way the medical community and society at large respond to health crises. ACT UP's model of direct action and community mobilization has inspired other activist movements around the world.

See Also

• AIDS activism
• Larry Kramer
• HIV/AIDS in the United States
• Gay rights movement