In 1981, Dr. Michael Gottlieb of UCLA identified a new disease that, among its many signs, severely weakened the immune system. Named acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), this disease was initially seen among gay men in large cities.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), identified in 1985, is transmitted through blood, genital fluids (such as semen) and breastmilk.
The earliest confirmed case of AIDS in the U.S. was in 1968, with the first case in Virginia reported in 1982. With no known cure, HIV/AIDS was initially a death sentence for those infected.
Participants in this 1987 candlelight AIDS memorial vigil walked down E. Grace Street from St. Paul's Episcopal Churh to Capitol Square in Richmond, Va.
Poster published by the Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus (LAGPAC) announcing extended voter registration hours.
The Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus (LAGPAC) was created on August 8th, 1980, by a group of activists committed to attaining legal and social equality for Louisiana’s gender and sexual minorities. Based in Alexandria, LAGPAC was a political organization that investigated the beliefs and stances of candidates running for public office and, through mailing lists, editorials (The Voter’s Guide and The Lagniappe), and phone banking, galvanized its members to vote for candidates that were supportive of the LGBTQIA community. Meanwhile, it aimed to sway the larger Louisiana population to support equality for the state’s gender and sexual minorities. At its peak, LAGPAC also had chapters in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Acadiana, and made a significant impact on numerous elections. LAGPAC ceased operations in 2002, but Equality Louisiana is considered a successor of the organization.
Poster text:
"The Only Safe Closet is the Voting Booth!"
"Bring something with your signature, i.e., Driver's License, cancelled Check, etc."
Collection NA-201, Oversize Folder 1, Marilyn McConnell papers, Newcomb Archives, Newcomb College Institute, Tulane University