HIV/AIDS didn't just decimate the LGBTQ community in terms of mass death. The bigoted stigma attached to it-in addition to generalized bigotry-made it almost impossible to come out. I am an older millennial & I remember being taught that it was ok to share air w/ an HIV+ person
I don't think that cishet people reflect enough on just what that meant for all LGBTQ people. First, one was already considered as deviant or a sinner by the dominant culture. Abused by parents & employers. It was nearly impossible to be fully "out." And then came HIV/AIDS.
I remember as a kid in the 90's, there was a deep, bigoted entanglement between being gay & AIDS in US culture. There was little compassion &, if it occurred, it was in whispers. There was also a distinction btwn AIDS victims who "deserved" it (gay men) vs. others (hemophiliacs)
In any case, HIV/AIDS not only led to mass death, but was wielded by bigots (a lot of society!) to fan hate. LGBTQ Boomers, Gen-Xers, their elders, & to some extent even older millennials were struck by death, fear, loss, and a level of bigotry that almost defies comprehension.
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