AIDS Activist: Michael Lynch and the Politics of Community

by Ann Silversides

Michael Lynch, the central figure of this book, was a long-time gay activist and a dynamic force in organizing an early response to the AIDS epidemic. Lynch's prescient articles in The Body Politic spoke to the gay communities of Toronto, New York, and San Francisco. His organizing efforts meant change and hope."AIDS Activist" is a crisp and passionate introduction to a wide range of issues. Focusing on personal stories Silversides furnishes a snap-shot history of how the AIDS crisis unfolded and some of the heroic responses to it. Her emphasis on the politics of the gay community response makes this book unique.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Biography

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2003

Reviews

[Dasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written analysis of the AIDS crisis through a close reading of Michael Lynch's life. It truly demonstrates, through Lynch's transnational friendships and relationship networks, how many people and how quickly queer people were dying. The only critique I hold is that the book quickly ends with Lynch's life - I wish an epilogue tied up some of the loose ends around the activist communities that Lynch were apart of.

[Nerdy_Bee_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the movement reading this book, but it was so very dense, which made it hard to get through. I appreciate how detailed and thorough the author was and the footnotes were also a nice touch.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to understand Canada’s response to the AIDS Crisis? Want to understand how it compares to America’s response? Want to understand more about our Queer Elders and their fight for liberation and equal healthcare? To be reminded that the fight for healthcare for all is queer rights is trans rights is abortion rights is anti-colonialism and is the fight against racism? Read AIDS Activist: Michael Lynch and the Poltics of Community by Ann Silversides.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointing read- although I found the footnotes section useful.