Lesbian Solidarity During the AIDS Epidemic

Lesbians are often overlooked within the HIV field and history, as people living with HIV, care providers, and activists. During the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, lesbians played a crucial role in supporting people living with HIV. Below, we share some of the ways that lesbians transformed HIV care and the queer community.

Update Dec 2026: Please note that much of the writing about the AIDS epidemic refers only to cis gay men. For that reason, the article below mostly talks about the experiences of lesbians and gay men. We know that transphobic attitudes and practices made and make it hard for trans folks to seek out and get healthcare. We're collecting community stories and other accounts from trans people during the AIDS epidemic and hope to share what we've learned soon! Have something you'd like to share or think we'd like to read? We'd love to hear from you. Email Jessamyn at [email protected]!

What is the significance of lesbian solidarity?

In 1981, people incorrectly assumed that HIV and AIDS only affected gay men. This led to AIDS being called GRID, gay-related immune deficiency. For years, governments chose not to address the epidemic, withholding funding towards HIV and AIDS research. This deliberate silence and inaction led to the death of thousands of people with HIV.

At the time, many doctors and nurses refused to treat people living with HIV. Many families of origin abandoned positive gay men, leaving them financially, socially, and emotionally vulnerable. When many turned their backs on gay men, lesbians stepped in to advocate and provide care.  

Why did so many lesbians feel called to support, and what kind of support did they offer?

Some people have assumed that lesbians only supported gay men because of their shared queer identities. This overlooks many lesbians' relationships, skills, and experiences.

Before the AIDS epidemic, many lesbians (including youth!) also participated in civil rights movements, policy work, and advocated for housing equality, parental rights, and sexual and reproductive health rights. Others were involved in anti-poverty, anti-war, and anti-nuclear power campaigns. Many lesbians were healthcare practitioners, such as nurses and social workers. Before and during the AIDS epidemic, lesbians often loved, cared for, and were in community with gay men. Given their political, professional, and personal experiences, lesbians used their skills to advocate for better healthcare policies, organize blood drives, provide direct care to gay men living with HIV, and share information. 

Medical care: HIV stigma and homophobia made it impossible for many men living with HIV to get proper healthcare. At a time when doctors and nurses often refused to treat HIV-positive patients, lesbian nurses volunteered their time and skills to care for these patients.

Blood Drives: Men who had sex with men were banned from donating blood, leading to shortages in blood banks. However, many HIV-positive patients needed blood transfusions because of routine tests and experimental treatments. In response, lesbians organized blood drives and collaborated with blood banks to make sure that these patients received transfusions.

Hospice Care: Before the invention of HIV medications, many positive gay men were dying from AIDS-related complications. As folks were often isolated from their families, lesbians provided much-needed emotional support and companionship. This included volunteering for hospice care to ensure that gay men received dignified end-of-life care.

Education: Lesbians also worked to raise awareness about HIV and safer sex practices, through workshops and hotlines. This fought against misinformation and stigma.

How did this change the queer community?

While some worried that these contributions might divert resources from their own community, many lesbians recognized the importance of ensuring everyone had access to proper healthcare and community. Their efforts strengthened solidarity between gay men and lesbian women, building a more unified queer community.

Lesbian solidarity during the AIDS epidemic was life-changing in bridging the gap left by institutions and society. Their care work and activism changed how we offer respectful, dignified, and compassionate care today.