The official outbreak of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the early 80s generated an unprecedented number of discourses in all spheres of society, which AIDS theorist Paula Treichler already called in 1987 “an epidemic of signification”. Despite low or no budgets, many artists and affected individuals responded to the urgency of the illness and its consequences on their daily lives.

This guided tour explores what remains of these narratives and of these affects in the archives, and how it shapes our understanding of the still ongoing epidemic today. A free guided tour in the archive of the Schwules Museum in English spoken language. Registration is not necessary. Participation is free, you only have to pay for admission to the SMU itself.

Image: Jürgen Baldiga, Archiv Schwules Museum