This was a panel conversation about the AIDS/HIV epidemic in Chicago and its impact on straight women hosted at Chicago Women’s History Center on Sunday June 23rd, 2024 from 2pm to 4pm. This conversation was facilitated by Victoria Noe, author of the book Fag Hags, Divas and Moms with special guests, Rae Lewis-Thornton and Rosa E. Martínez Colón, MS. The panel conversation will be followed by a book signing with the authors and light refreshments.

In the early 1980s, there was a belief in Chicago that it would be spared from the AIDS epidemic that was spreading in New York and San Francisco. By 1985, that was proven wrong. Long before COVID, a mysterious virus ravaged neighborhoods around Chicago. But even now - 43 years into the HIV/AIDS pandemic - most people still see it as a disease affecting only white, gay men.  

Our panelists have been involved in the HIV/AIDS community in Chicago since its early days, and are still making a difference. Come hear them share their powerful stories - of misinformation, misogyny, racism, and stigma - showing that women have always been at risk. And proving that women are still changing the course of the epidemic in Chicago and around the world.