ACT UP New York's Banner Year in HIV Prevention May Show Us How to Prevent a Plague

If you know anything about AIDS activism, then you know that the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) was among the first groups on the frontlines making sure that the lives of people living with and dying from AIDS-related illnesses, and the health of those at risk for HIV, were cared for and paid attention to. Now, more than 25 years after their genesis in 1987, after they've taught us how to survive a plague, and after the death of one of their highest-profile early members, Spencer Cox, the New York chapter has reemerged with a new agenda: prevention.

Let's get it right: ACT UP has never gone away. The group, which has many chapters in other cities around the world, has always been a part of the conversation when it comes to HIV/AIDS. However, with recent CDC statistics indicating that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. is still highly disproportionately affecting gay men, especially young gay men of color, ACT UP New York (ACT UP NY) has responded with the formation of the Prevention of HIV Action Group (PHAG). A few members of PHAG spoke with us about this notable year for the group.

Table of Contents

• Why Did You Decide to Join ACT UP PHAG?
• What Are You Most Proud of When It Comes to PHAG's Work?
• What Is Happening With PHAG in the Near Future?