BY: Zaniah Boykin
Published 2 months ago
During the initial outbreak of HIV/AIDS in 1981, myths persisted that the disease only affected homosexuals. But the truth? HIV/AIDS doesn’t discriminate — it compromises the immune system of anyone who contracts it. The lack of knowledge led to countless deaths before people realized it was an STD that anyone could catch. By the time safe sex became a known preventative measure, too many lives had already been lost.
Today, medication has improved, and fewer people are dying. HIV is now manageable, and there are medical options to help people exposed to the virus protect their immunity. But none of this erases the damage caused by misinformation or brings back the beautiful lives lost to the disease. Not to mention, the disease carries a disheartening stigma. From battling discrimination to being discouraged to affecting an individual’s well-being and personal health, it can be hard for folks to adjust. Education is still the best defense against societal beliefs and prejudices.
In honor of HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day, here are five must-watch movies and TV shows that remind us why awareness matters.
1.”Pose”
This series is an ode to New York City’s ballroom culture, which was birthed by LGBTQIA+ icons back in the ‘80s and ‘90s. While the high-energy creativity and ambition of the characters make you want to strut in your own category, “Pose” also perfectly depicts how HIV/AIDS was taking away legendary performers at an alarming rate. Although most of the cast plays transgender and queer roles, the show makes it clear that anyone engaging in unprotected sex is at risk. Even the most careful people had one slip-up and contracted it. That’s all it took then, and it’s still relevant today.
2.”Philadelphia”
“Philadelphia” was the first major studio film to directly address the HIV/AIDS crisis — way back in 1993. Starring Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks, this award-winning movie does an incredible job of showing how discrimination plays out, especially in the workplace. Think getting your PTO approved is tough now? Back then, people weren’t just stigmatized for having an STD — they were legally discriminated against for their sexual orientation, too.
3.”Precious”
Based on the legendary novel “Push” by Sapphire, “Precious” follows the life of a Black teenage girl in 1987 Harlem. Her world is full of trauma and struggle, but she finds ways to survive and thrive despite it all. The film portrays how she was infected with HIV/AIDS by her family and unknowingly passed it to her son through birth. However, unlike the early ‘80s, the movie takes place at a time when communities had started offering resources and spreading knowledge. “Precious” makes one thing clear: knowledge is power when it comes to HIV/AIDS.
4.”Paris Is Burning”
This documentary gives us the real tea on the ballroom scene! “Paris Is Burning” showcases the lives of real people who were part of this iconic culture while also highlighting the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS. It captures how the community came together to fight back—planning prevention programs and even hosting an HIV awareness ball. Sadly, many of the film’s real-life stars didn’t live to see ballroom culture celebrated worldwide.
5.”Rent”
If you know how important it is to have “525,600 minutes,” then you already know! This highly infectious Broadway musical-turned-film is based in early ‘90s New York, following young people from all walks of life as they navigate careers, relationships, and their mental and physical health. The brightest stars of the story are also infected, proving that even with education and resources, the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over.
These films and shows don’t just entertain — they educate. They remind us that the fight for health equity and LGBTQIA+ rights is far from over. Visibility saves lives. And that’s the tea.
What are your favorite movies about HIV/AIDS? Comment below!
