AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
California’s Medical Facility in Vacaville was long known for poor care of inmates with HIV/AIDS. In 1992 Brian Patrick Carmichael — then HIV‑negative — organized Pastoral Care Services after seeing friends die undignified deaths. With inmates including Charles Perry, Laos Schuman and Peter Yvanovich, and over 100 others, he led vigils, medication protests and hunger strikes, alerting press and officials. Their activism exposed systemic neglect and pushed for humane treatment of incarcerated people with HIV/AIDS.
AIDS The Lost Voices
in 1996 a woman on remand, ‘Jane’ — not convicted, with no previous offences — was held in the AIDS ward at St Mary’s Hospital, London, chained to a guard round the clock; her chain was wrapped in a jacket at night to stop it from rattling and keeping her awake. Press coverage and photographs provoked national outrage and became a scandal for the then Conservative government.
AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
Gaétan Dugas, wrongly labelled ‘patient zero’ in 1987 for allegedly introducing AIDS to North America due to misinterpreted epidemiological data, was later vindicated. His participation in a cluster study was crucial for understanding HIV/AIDS transmission. This shift transformed his legacy; he is now seen as ‘Patient Hero’ by the community. in 1993 there was a musical film and in 2019 a documentary film by those who knew him.
AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
Dave Patridge was 31 when he received the diagnosis of AIDS in the summer of 1987, a time when fear and misinformation surrounded the disease. Originating from Illinois, USA he courageously chronicled his journey through illness in a diary, which he shared with the Herald & Review newspaper. His poignant reflections providing insight into the struggles and realities faced by those living with AIDS.