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ACT UP/Los Angeles picket sign collection
Coll2018-027  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Picket signs created by members of ACT UP/Los Angeles, circa 1987-1996. These signs were displayed during demonstrations and protests organized by ACT UP/Los Angeles to bring attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to advocate for more support services, funding, and medical research.
Background
Los Angeles activists, inspired by ACT UP New York and energized by the 1987 March on Washington, organized to form an ACT UP chapter in Los Angeles. 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.
Extent
## Cubic Feet 157 items.
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
The collection is open to researchers. Digital images of all 157 items are available on the USC Digital Library. Access to the physical items is restricted.