AIDS Activist: Michael Lynch and the Politics of Community

AIDS Activist: Michael Lynch and the Politics of Community

Between the Lines, 720 Bathurst St., Ste. 404, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R4. ISBN 1-896357-73-3. $14.95.
Ann Silversides. 2003.

This is by far one of the most moving accounts of an AIDS activist who lived through the 70s and 80s. Silversides has provided us a look at the life of an individual who championed sexual diversity and AIDS. The book is based on the 65-volume diary that Michael kept through the years. It is funny and sad at the same time. Michael was unique. He was journalist who wrote for Body Politic. The book is filled with quotes from his diaries, showing us how courageous this person was during the early years of the AIDS pandemic. After the first few pages, one does not want to lay the book down. Every page keeps one glued to what has been written. Michael tackled the politics of AIDS from Toronto to New York, caught up in the struggles with politicians who turned their faces away from a disease that they determined was just a gay disease and would go away when everyone died. This book should be dedicated to all of the other "Michaels" out there who work so hard as AIDS activists. They are unselfish in what they are doing. May we always have these individuals to keep AIDS Awareness at the forefront of everyone's mind. Every library should have a copy of this book.

Keywords: Political Aspects; Gay Men; AIDS Activists
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