Oral Histories

The impact of HIV and AIDS on LGBTQ+ Liverpool

The oral histories give first hand accounts of the cultural melting pot that was Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ scene in the 1970s and 80s and the emergence and impact of HIV/AIDS on this community.

We hear about this horrendous disease from five people who saw its impact and share their experiences – Carl, Nick, Maria, Gerry, Cathy, Martin and James.

We hear about how fanciful rumours of a ‘gay cancer’ from America quickly became a terrifying reality. They share memories of how diagnoses felt more like death sentences. We discover how public health workers went above and beyond to support the community. They tell us about how amongst this culture of fear, they found solace and support underneath the mirror ball. And absolutely kept dancing!