I now realize that I am a gay man before anything else. Other gays may think they're a Jew first, or black, or a banker, but I'm gay.
Larry KramerRead
AIDS was allowed to happen. It is a plague that need not have happened. It is a plague that could have been contained from the very beginning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
AIDS was a preventable epidemic that was poorly managed from its onset.
Larry Kramer emphasizes that the AIDS crisis should never have escalated to the devastating pandemic it became, indicating a failure in societal and governmental response. He implies that with swift action and proper understanding, AIDS could have been contained at an early stage, pointing to the importance of vigilance and responsibility in public health matters.
Themes
AidsHealthEpidemicPreventionGovernmentResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a health conference addressing public health policy, this quote could highlight the importance of proactive measures.
More from Larry Kramer
All quotes βAIDS is a plague - numerically, statistically and by any definition known to modern public health - though no one in authority has the guts to call it one.
Larry KramerRead
I think being gay and gay people are the most wonderful things in the world. I wish all of us could have the power and pride to benefit from what is rightfully ours. Why isn't there an enormous building in Washington called the 'National Association of Lesbian and Gay Concerns' to lobby for us?
Larry KramerRead
The most important fact is that gays have been here since day one. To say otherwise is a gross denial and stupidity. We played an enormous part in the history of America.
Larry KramerRead
We didn't exist. Ronald Reagan didn't say the word 'AIDS' until 1987. I've tried desperately to get a meeting in the White House; Gay Men's Health Crisis is already an established organization. I have a certain presence.
Larry KramerRead
I was at Yale from 1953 to 1957, and I tried to commit suicide in my freshman year because I was gay, and I thought I was the only person in the school who was. I was just totally and utterly miserable.
Larry KramerRead
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