June 5, 2021 marked 40 years since the first cases of AIDS were recognized by the federal government.  It was also HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day. Through this unique storytelling initiative, the National AIDS Memorial featured stories that showed the intimate human experience of AIDS during the first 40 years of the AIDS crisis – the lives lost, the survivors, the heroes.

We share the important story of AIDS -- the fear, stigma and discrimination. We share the stories of hope, courage, compassion, and love. We bring to light the harsh reality that four decades later, there is no cure and the rates of infection are on the rise, particularly in communities of color. The nation – and the world – still struggles with the issues of health and social justice and stigma.

To see 40 powerful AIDS Quilt stories, click here: Forty Powerful AIDS Quilt Stories