A little over 40 years ago, a devastating new virus ripped through the world, disproportionately affecting the LGBTQ+ community in the United States, and we were faced with an unprecedented crisis that would leave a permanent mark on history — the AIDS epidemic. As the death tolls increased daily thanks to substandard healthcare infrastructure, public prejudices, and government neglect — it became clear an urgent need for collective effort and activism was necessary.
By the end of 1980, fifty-five men in the United States were diagnosed with this virus, and 19 months later, Seattle would report its first AIDS case. By late 1982, it became apparent that the novel virus led to many people not only suffering the effects of the disease, but the corresponding societal prejudices, alone.
Tim Burak, a Seattle native, established an informal organization of local volunteers based on a “buddy network” model from New York. By April of 1983, the Chicken Soup Brigade was born. What started as an organization helping any person living with a disabling illness, as the AIDS crisis continued to expose the vulnerabilities of a forgotten and stigmatized population, the Chicken Soup Brigade shifted its focus to people with AIDS.
At the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s, and the staggering impact this virus had, a sense of unity pushed our community to rally in support of those affected; creating care and solidarity networks thanks to volunteers and activists. The Northwest AIDS Foundation, also born in 1983, was formed by health and business leaders in the Seattle area, with the goal to raise funds for direct assistance and support services, and raise awareness through public education programs.
These two instrumental organizations, which provided compassionate care and assistance to those overwhelmingly affected by HIV and AIDS, merged into one community benefit organization in 2001. The Lifelong AIDS Alliance continued the mission of its parent agencies, and to this day, with yet another new name (Lifelong: Health for All), has expanded its reach to include our neighbors in need living with one or more chronic diseases.
In our current challenging period in history, we must honor the organizations and activists who mobilized our community. We must remember how the AIDS epidemic showed the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Through our collective action, our community helped shape the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
We’ve been here before. We will not stop fighting. Lifelong will continue to provide care and services to our neighbors in need long after this administration is gone. Be loud, stay proud, and stand with Lifelong.