How to Survive a Plague

Synopsis:

A story of two coalitions – ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) – whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Despite having no scientific training, these self-made activists infiltrated the pharmaceutical industry and helped identify promising new drugs, moving them from experimental trials to patients in record time.

Quick Thoughts:

Released in 2012, “How To Survive A Plague” is a queer news film and documentary that highlights a time in queer history that many have forgotten: the AIDS epidemic of the 80’s. As many of our gay men were dying from this horrific new disease, everyone was looking the other way – including the government. Tired of it all, various groups within the community decided to take a stand and demand action. ACT UP (and later TAG) was one of the major coalitions. The surprise part – it worked! As this queer news film recounts, the frequent and targeted protests of FDA, drug companies, and even the government resulted in the approval of potential life-saving HIV medicines and treatments. It’s thanks to them that HIV is no longer a death sentence, although many queer youth are utterly unaware of their own history. If you are young and queer, then this queer news film is a MUST watch! For the rest of us, “How To Survive A Plague” is still an important and worthy film to watch. Even I learned something!