Queer As Art issue 2 April-May-June 2017 | Page 34

As the decade closes, the apparition of AIDS, although not yet named as such, puts the brakes on the huge steps made in the right direction. The sudden disease plagues the next decades and gives conservative associations an excellent reason to invoke the ghost of a divine judgement on impure people, leading to tensions in the public spheres. While LGBT groups keep fighting through, it takes another ten years for the community to see the fruits of its long, hard labour. On the 31st of March, Gilbert Baker left us. We give thoughts and love to the community, and to Baker for his joyous and indelible mark in our cause. FURTHER READINGS : The Gay Metropolis, Charles Kaiser: chronicles of gay life in America since 1945 Russian homophobia from Stalin to Sochi, Dan Healey (to be published in November 2017) Stereophonic: webcomic about a gay couple in 1960s London stereophonic.thewebcomic.com Another Way, 1982 (Hungary): iconic movie about an illegal same-sex affair in late 50s Soviet-occupied Hungary Major! (2015): documentary about the life of activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (TRAILER) 33