In this first of a two-part series we speak with Brian Carmichael, HIV/AIDS and prison activist, who recalls his time incarcerated at California Medical Facility in Vacaville: though HIV-negative himself at the time, in 1992 he and Charles Perry launched a hunger strike demanding better care and treatment for inmates with HIV/AIDS — a protest that helped secure the first-ever hospice within a US prison.
Brian and his comrades were the first to join the facility’s new Pastoral Care Services team, supporting prisoners with HIV/AIDS; he remembers holding solitary vigils to ensure inmates did not die alone. Brian also played a huge part in the AIDS Quilt’s visit to CMF — the first time it had ever been displayed inside a prison — a stitched testament to the suffering and humanity of those behind bars by Brian and his comrades.
Across this two-hour episode Brian emphasises he was not alone in bringing about much-needed change, sharing stories of love and friendship with fellow inmates — Laos, Charles, Law, Peter and so many more — whose courage and care reshaped how the institution treated HIV/AIDS, illness, grief and dignity.
All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:
XTRA Tea Blog AIDS: THE LOST VOICES - Brian Carmichael
You can find all 3 previous episodes looking at Brian's activism as documented in the press.
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AIDS Quilt - Names Project - Website
Search Quilts: 1943 & 6063
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Audio Credits:
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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' +WEBSITE
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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast which has no (Zero) commercial gain. No copyright infringement intended.
