As the AIDS pandemic began to unfold in San Francisco, a wave of courageous gay men emerged, bravely voicing their experiences of stigma and isolation. These activists played a crucial role in raising awareness and challenging the pervasive fear and ignorance surrounding the disease.

Their efforts spurred the rise of numerous organisations and charities, mobilising to provide care, support, and compassion to those affected. In an environment rife with discrimination, these individuals and groups became a beacon of hope, advocating for change and solidarity within a community that was suffering deeply yet remained resilient in its quest for justice and understanding. We look at the stories of Bobby Reynolds, Mark Wood, Phil Shippy and Joe Swartz.

This is their story, their voices, in their own words.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - IN THEIR OWN WORDS USA

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS. No copyright infringement intended -

• Newspapers.com
• Bobby Reynolds talking to The Shanti Project
• 'A Time of Change: Confronting AIDS' WATCH HERE
• Those People: AIDS in the Public' KQED San Francisco WATCH HERE
• 'Family' Sung by the Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus 1983