Context

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease derived from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a sexually transmitted infection that weakens/damages the immune system. When not treated HIV turns into AIDS, taking several years to do so. Since 1981, there have been more than 733,372 cases of AIDS and more than 430,000 deaths in the US with the largest proportions occurring in gay men (Gayle H., 2000). 

The large spread of AIDS between gay and bisexual men affected the LGBT-Q community as they were stigmatized because of it. Although HIV/AIDS can also be spread from heterosexual transmissions or contact with infected blood, many people had the misconception that AIDS was solely related to and derived from the LGBT-Q community (O’Hare et al., 1996). This misconception amplified homophobia and transformed it from latent to blatant hate towards the LGBT-Q community. In this documentary, Tom shares and tells his story despite the odds standing against him, and with the knowledge of his inevitable death. Sharing the harsh reality of being a gay man with AIDS in the 90s, Tom is able to translate his pain to bring more awareness about the disease. The scope through which Tom films this documentary provides intimacy and personal details, which allows an audience to connect and understand a piece of work more clearly as opposed to stilted and aloof scientific or historical approaches.