HIV/AIDS Support

QueerDuck

(1,853 posts) Thu Apr 2, 2026, 06:06 PM Apr 2

The singers in white represent the remaining living members of the original chorus...

A powerful image of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus shows how the 1980s HIV epidemic devastated the gay community. The singers in white represent the remaining living members of the original chorus, while those in black represent those lost to AIDS. By 1996, the obituary list was 47 names longer than the chorus roster. ⁠

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The singers in white represent the remaining living members of the original chorus... (Original Post) QueerDuck Apr 2 OP

Powerful image. It really brings the loss home. brer cat Apr 2 #1

The image really struck me too. liberalla Apr 2 #8

I didn't lose a lot of friends, but I did lose important people in my life. marble falls Apr 2 #2

I lost count and stopped going to funerals. QueerDuck Apr 2 #3

Yes! ZDU Apr 2 #11

The same. Teacher of the Year Apr 2 #13

I got numbed to it. My worst times was when it was a topic for jokes on the tube and a sick friend would be in ... marble falls Apr 6 #14

Wow BeneteauBum Apr 2 #4

I remember a homegirl Apr 2 #5

Reminds me of how smug and self-satisfied Mi'ssippi Republicans were at the tragedy back then peppertree Apr 2 #6

Lest we forget. This is heartbreaking. Easterncedar Apr 2 #7

That image is such an accurate, haunting display. Buddyzbuddy Apr 2 #9

I'm lucky ZDU Apr 2 #10

... orangecrush Apr 2 #12

brer cat

(27,632 posts)

1. Powerful image. It really brings the loss home.

Reply to QueerDuck (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 06:11 PM

Apr 2

liberalla

(11,157 posts)

8. The image really struck me too.

Reply to brer cat (Reply #1)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 08:39 PM

Apr 2

Having those in black representing those who are gone, facing the back is quite effective.
They are faceless and they are missing.
I feel a sad, sober longing for what should have been.

marble falls

(72,257 posts)

2. I didn't lose a lot of friends, but I did lose important people in my life.

Reply to QueerDuck (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 06:26 PM

Apr 2

QueerDuck

(1,853 posts)

3. I lost count and stopped going to funerals.

Reply to marble falls (Reply #2)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 08:02 PM

Apr 2

ZDU

(1,321 posts)

11. Yes!

Reply to QueerDuck (Reply #3)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 08:48 PM

Apr 2

I stopped counting and really don't know exactly how I pulled through that darkness

Teacher of the Year

(233 posts)

13. The same.

Reply to QueerDuck (Reply #3)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 09:01 PM

Apr 2

After losing some of my nearest and dearest I stopped going. Even now, when I am losing a whole new round of friends and family to old age I can't' get myself to do it. I go have a conversation in my head or even out loud with my friends. I mark their passing but privately. Sigh.

marble falls

(72,257 posts)

14. I got numbed to it. My worst times was when it was a topic for jokes on the tube and a sick friend would be in ...

Reply to QueerDuck (Reply #3)

Mon Apr 6, 2026, 08:58 AM

Apr 6

... the same room. I remember opening refrigerators of friends I didn't know had it and finding out by the medications on a shelf.

BeneteauBum

(627 posts)

4. Wow

Reply to QueerDuck (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 08:17 PM

Apr 2

Peace ☮️

homegirl

(1,973 posts)

5. I remember a

Reply to QueerDuck (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 08:25 PM

Apr 2

young gay man who was a supplier to the business I worked for collapsing in tears. I hugged him while he cried "I can't do it anymore, I have been to 83 funerals this month." San Francisco was draped in funeral black...

peppertree

(23,406 posts)

6. Reminds me of how smug and self-satisfied Mi'ssippi Republicans were at the tragedy back then

Reply to QueerDuck (Original post)

Thu Apr 2, 2026, 08:32 PM

Apr 2

They very much felt the victims not only deserved it - but that God would have somehow been remiss if He hadn't "stuck them down."

That's what most of the MAGA base is made up of these days.