Radical Acts: HIV/AIDS Activism in Late Twentieth-Century England

by George Severs

Drawing on activist campaign literature and materials, broadcast media, and new oral history interviews, Severs reconstructs and discusses the overlooked world of radical AIDS activism in England. This book provides one of the first detailed histories of the radical HIV/AIDS movement in England, following ACT UP's travels from New York to London via prominent queer intellectuals, and reconstructing the vibrant theatrical campaigns staged by ACT UP groups across England.

Radical Acts explores expressions of activism that were far more common than demonstrations and marches. Manifestations of a political commitment to ameliorating the injustices facing people living with HIV permeated most aspects of everyday life. These forms of 'everyday activism' played out in workplaces, universities and church halls across England, as well as through networks that stretched across Europe and North America. This book breaks new ground by studying the radical alongside the everyday, presenting a diverse constellation of activist responses to the epidemic.

Genres: Nonfiction

250 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2024

Reviews

[Pippa Catterall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I characterise this as a marker of a third wave of AIDS history, in which the complex of political and emotional responses are explored within the context of civil society. This is an analysis of how various groups responded to the virus and sought to draw attention to the suffering, information to those at risk and succour to those dying or bereaved. In the process it is a contribution both to the literature on AIDS and to that on activism. In terms of the former it rescues groups like ACT UP London from being seen as a shadow of the New York organisation. It also breaks ground by highlighting the women who were both AIDS patients and activists. And it draws attention to the often overlooked positive responses from (parts of) religious organisations. In terms of the latter it illuminates the variety of ways activism can be expressed though, perhaps wisely, no definition of activism is finally offered.

[C. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise intervention, contesting the idea that Britain didn’t really have radical HIV/AIDs activism when compared with the US. I found Severs’s capacious definition of activism convincing and useful for bringing together different responses to the crisis, and the many ways people sought to improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDs. The book does less well at engaging readers beyond this field, and the themes of each chapter feel disconnected from one another at times.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-researched and insightful account of HIV/AIDS activism in England. George Severs effectively combines activist materials, oral histories, and media sources to present a detailed and engaging history.

[Kerri Blackbourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for uni and it was really interesting! Especially the part about women’s activism in the second chapter.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is extremely well researched and has an excellent bibliography. Really interesting organisation into topics of work, university and the church- I especially enjoyed learning more about the sisters of perpetual indulgence!