The Queer Community

Introduction

For much of the AIDS/HIV pandemic's effect, queer communities were at the forefront. The deep-seated roots of homophobia were particularly prevalent in the South, making community building, caregiving, and resource sharing a political act. 

Rhetoric was a battleground for Queer communities as critical, reliable information regarding AIDS/HIV was paramount to healthcare outcomes. Many governmental and state-based resources failed queer communities in providing unbiased information, leaving grassroots organizations to compensate. 

One such method of communication was community magazines that catered to specific identity groups located in a small area. This allowed for members within trusted communities to share information, ideally information approved by or stemming from medical professionals.