Sex in an Epidemic

reviews

"This powerful documentary focuses on the history of the safe sex movement and HIV/AIDS. Beginning with the ominous 1981 New York Times headline, 'Rare cancer seen in 41 homosexuals,' the film chronologically examines the initial fears, loathing, confusion, and misinformation surrounding the disease that decimated the gay community. Archival news and talk show footage captures unenlightened responses to this 'mysterious cancer' and the intolerance of conservative politicians and religious leaders, including Jesse Helms and Jerry Falwell. Period interviews with key activists, several of whom are no longer living, reveal the division within the gay community as to how best inform and educate (scare tactics or solid and responsible medical information). Footage captures a dramatic confrontation between feminists and a journalist whose magazine article claimed women could not contract AIDS by having sex with infected men. A worthy tribute to grassroots organizations that raced against time to save lives in the face of perceived government indifference."Donald Liebenson, Booklist, September 2011