HIV/AIDS Oral History Project

During the 1980s and early 1990s the HIV epidemic came to Utah and only one physician, Dr. Kristen Ries, would treat people with AIDS. After Ries retired, members of the gay community stepped forward to create an archive documenting the course of the epidemic in Utah. As part of that broader goal, AWC affiliate faculty member Dr. Elizabeth Clement, Associate Professor of History, is conducting an oral history project that documents the medical, social, cultural, political and religious aspects of the epidemic in this very conservative place. She has interviewed over 30 who interacted with the epidemic including medical professionals, social workers, therapists, nuns from Holy Cross hospital, drag queens engaged in safer sex education and fundraising, community members who founded or volunteered for first AIDS Project Utah and the Salt Lake AIDS Foundation, and later, the Utah AIDS Foundation, as well as people with AIDS, their lovers, friends, and family.  All of the interviews are being transcribed and will be available to researchers at the University of Utah’s Marriott Library.