Richard Parsakian reflects on his decades of service, queer community organizing, and the creation of the Kerry Stoner Award, a handcrafted glass wand that symbolizes the power to do good and the fragility of life. Through humor, heartbreak, and fierce ...
Steve and Nachum reflect that in the ’70s and ’80s, a mystery illness emerged, igniting fear and isolation. A buddy program offered companionship, transportation, and connection for those suffering during the early AIDS epidemic. Legends & Legacies was an oral ...
From underground advocacy to legalized syringe programs, witness the fight against HIV stigma. Healthcare provider Stuart Fisk helped challenge norms and transform care. Legends & Legacies was an oral history event on December 2, 2025, held at the Kelly Strayhorn ...
Michael Neal reflects on stepping into the executive director role at Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force after first Executive Director Kerry Stoner. Legends & Legacies was an oral history event on December 2, 2025, held at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater to ...
Dr. Marty Seltman recounts the early days of the HIV epidemic, facing fear and uncertainty. From reluctant acceptance to providing crucial care, a personal journey into uncharted medical territory. Witnessing resilience amidst heartbreaking loss. Legends & Legacies was an oral ...
Former PATF Executive Director Kathi Boyle discusses how HIV/AIDS services at the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force expanded to include women and the African American community. From Tupperware parties with safer sex tips to engaging the ballroom community, inclusivity was key. ...
For over 30 years, Alan Jones was the heart of the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force and Allies for Health + Wellbeing. Beginning as a volunteer in 1990 and retiring in 2022 as the longest-serving staff member, Alan coordinated care, offered ...
At just 16, Clarisse Jordan contracted HIV. At 19, a doctor told her she’d be dead by 24. Instead, she chose to live out loud, and for the past 35+ years, she’s done exactly that. Clarisse shares her journey from ...
In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, when fear, stigma, and misinformation were everywhere, Dr. Larry Leahy made a life-changing choice: to treat patients living with HIV with dignity, care, and compassion. At a time when even medical professionals ...
Tammy Frech and DJ Stemmler share their personal stories of activism, chosen family, and joy during the early years of the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF), now known as Allies for Health and Well-being. From hotline volunteers to buddy programs, ...
Randy Forrester, Robet “Lucky” Johns, and Jon Pushinsky held a press conference on March 10, 1988 to discuss the legal action that Travelers Social Club was taking in response to the police raid on the club on February 14, 1988. ...
The Wednesday, February 24, 1988, protest outside of the City County Building in Downtown Pittsburgh in response to the February 14, 1988, police raid of the Travelers Social Club. After the protest, about 75 of the marchers packed the City ...