The collection consists of the administrative records, documentation of actions, and resource materials of the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power/Los Angeles (ACT UP/LA).The records include minutes, financial records, photographs, press releases, membership materials, newsletters, clippings, fliers, and subject files. Active from 1987 to 1995, ACT UP defined itself as "a grass-roots, democratic, militant, direct action organization dedicated to creating positive changes around AIDS in federal and local government, the media, and medical industries through non-violent public protests."

Los Angeles activists, including member of the Lavender Left, inspired by ACT UP New York and energized by the 1987 March on Washington returned to form an ACT UP chapter. On December 04, 1987, ACT UP/Los Angeles (ACT UP/LA) met for the first time in West Hollywood. The organization focused on improving AIDS healthcare services and networking with a broad coalition of progressive groups. The chapter utilized non-violent direct action as a means to draw media attention and challenge the status quo. Members were offered civil disobedience training and support teams were formed to track confrontations and arrests. Official actions were approved by the membership; however, a number of affinity groups, such as Stop AIDS Now Or Else (SANOE), sponsored their own actions. Nationally ACT UP actions brought about the transformation of the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) medication trial and approval processes, expanded AIDS healthcare services including those for women and prisoners, and challenged immigration and naturalization policies.

34 Linear Feet [24 records boxes, 5 binder boxes, 2 flat boxes, 2 card file boxes]

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