In the mid-1980’s, after Eric Sawyer’s lover/soulmate died of AIDS, Eric was told he had two years to live. Instead, he became a founding member of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power) where he participated in countless protests, like dumping the ashes of people who had died of AIDS on the White House lawn. Far too many people with AIDS were dying homeless on the street, so Eric started Housing Works to advocate for homeless people with AIDS. He also founded Health GAP to bring essential medicines to developing countries, and served as vice-president at Gay Men’s Health Crisis. Today, Eric lives with survivor’s guilt, but if there’s one thing that consoles him, it’s how the fervent, outraged activism unleashed by AIDS radically altered the way that public health is done on a global scale.
Watch Eric’s full interview here
Preserve stories like Eric’s:
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LifeCyle Rider: Michael Welke
“Eric Sawyer’s activism and tireless fight for a community impacted by HIV/AIDS should never be forgotten. It is my honor to ride in the AIDS Lifecycle on his behalf. With each passing mile, I hope to carry the spirit of Eric, a beacon of inspiration, and ride with determination, committed to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS.”
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Michael is part of #TeamOUTWORDS. Each cyclist on Team OUTWORDS is riding in honor of an OUTWORDS interviewee who has brought courage and vision to the battle to #endAIDS.
