David and I were members of ACT UP. As activists we took every opportunity to draw attention to our position on AIDS and the issues we were coming to terms with as two poofs at the peak of the pandemic.

Our relationship was not exempt from this. It was such an exciting time for us. I think that it was the first time in both our lives that we really felt empowered.
It was such an exciting time for us. I think that it was the first time in both our lives that we really felt empowered. We had something to say that we felt from the heart - David's life depended on it -and here was a group structure which allowed us this freedom, supported our choices, provided us with a framework that gave our feelings legitimacy and dished out approval for the airing of those thoughts and feelings.
Informally, I took the role of ACT UP event organiser. The group allowed me lots of scope with these performance events. And ,of course, David and I performed at them.

We had lots to say about David's HIV+ status, my HIV- status and the issues we were dealing with while having a sexual relationship. There were four performances in total and each discussed the issues we were facing as lovers at that time.

It was a very public relationship and the performances were integral parts of it. I think they filled the role of ceremonies and celebrations not unlike engagements and weddings in heterosexual relationships. As we dealt with our relationship problems and experienced success and failure, the performances filled the role of counselling sessions as we bared our souls and exposed the wounds. The audience never seemed to mind. I hope they didn't.