From the Hotline to the Halls of Congress

By Brenda Lein

The GLBT Historical Society’s exhibition AIDS Treatment Activism: A Bay Area Story launched earlier this year. But of all the creative, colorful and over-the-top fanfare of the street-activist movement’s activities, I’d like to highlight this ordinary, black-and-white photo in the exhibition.

At first glance, this image from 1984 depicts a simple, mundane interaction, perhaps even clinical and cold. It depicts the cofounders of Project Inform, Martin Delaney (standing) and Joe Brewer (seated and on the phone) as they review a medical paper or article. I’m guessing that the photo was taken at the Project Inform offices, possibly even in the hotline room. And that’s the key to understanding why the photograph is documenting a profound, historic moment.

A Vital Lifeline

Project Inform was intended to be a six-month “project,” to address critical treatment information needs of people with AIDS and their loved ones, but it quickly evolved into an essential organization. At the time, there was little information about the disease, no approved treatments and no diagnostic tests. In the pre-Internet era, the telephone was a vital lifeline. Someone newly diagnosed with HIV in Texas, Louisiana, Florida or Vermont could phone, acquire information and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. A trusted, sympathetic and independent voice would be standing by to dispel misinformation about the disease and the treatment hoax du jour.

Relationships that began on the telephone would ultimately blossom into a massive grassroots campaign that later became AIDSWatch, lobbying Congress for funding for AIDS prevention, treatment, research and care. These conversations became the backbone of the treatment-activist research agenda and priorities. The staff at Project Inform became the voice for hundreds of thousands of people living with HIV — communicating priorities to the research establishment based on connections with people throughout the country.

Two men discussing data and talking to someone on the phone — there is tremendous humanity behind this revolutionary act. These are the backstories of this photograph, and of the AIDS Treatment Activism exhibition. Project Inform closed in 2019, and Martin passed away in 2009 and Joe in 2019. But their memories live on in the history of an organization that was a lifeline for many, a beacon of hope and a powerful force for change.

Brenda Lein held the dual positions of director of information and advocacy and director of Project Immune Restoration at Project Inform.