“I was trying to make people united and angry…mainly because I discovered that anger got you further than being nice. And when we started to break through in the media, I was better TV than someone who was nice.”
- Name: Larry Kramer
- Born: June 25, 1935
- Died: May 27, 2020
- From: Bridgeport, CT
- Pronouns: He/him
- Contribution/Impact: Kramer helped change the views of the AIDS crisis as something only homosexuals could get. He was the founder of ACT UP, AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power. ACT UP took to the streets demanding more research and speeding up the process of AIDS research.
- Occupation: Author, Film Producer, Advocate, Activist
- Known For: The Normal Heart (1985 book), Faggots (1978), The Normal Heart (2014 film)
- Awards: Tony Award 2013 for The Normal Heart
Larry Kramer was not only just an author, a playwright and producer, but he was also an activist for LGBTQ+ rights and he spoke out about the AIDS epidemic in the US. AIDS was originally thought to be a disease that could only be spread by those who identified with homosexuality and only homosexuals would suffer from AIDS. With Kramer’s campaigns and voice, he was able to educate the nation about how AIDS should be seen as a public-health emergency as it would affect anybody regardless of their sexual orientation.
Handout
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- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Decorate and personalize the empty space in the image.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out The Attic for more resources and events for Philadelphia’s LGBT+ youth!
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.