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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New York City, May 27, 2020
Contact: Jay Blotcher
jblotcher@hvc.rr.com
(845) 612-9837

Official Statement Upon the Death of Larry Kramer And News of the May 28 Memorial March in New York City

Members of ACT UP New York, past and present, pause in collective sorrow to acknowledge the passing of the group’s co-founder, Larry Kramer. Larry’s singular combination of political vision, fiery passion, and eloquent anger were the fuel that sparked our organization – and the start of the global AIDS activist movement — in March of 1987.

Over the next thirty-plus years, Larry was our beacon, our inspiration, and sometimes our nemesis. But through good times and bad, we moved forward in our quest to end the AIDS crisis and to identify and defeat the villains in power whose crimes or apathy allowed a disease to become a worldwide plague. His uncompromising honesty moved us to greater achievements.

The AIDS plague is not over. And neither is ACT UP. In memory of Larry Kramer, we will continue to demonstrate, lobby, protest, and fight the forces that allow this plague to flourish. We will stand up to the homophobia, racism, misogyny and transphobia that still aggravate this pandemic. We will move forward with anger and purpose in memory of our beloved comrade.

A New York City memorial service and commemorative demonstration will be held on Thursday, May 28 at 8:00 PM ET at the NYC AIDS Memorial, located on Seventh Avenue at 12th Street. The event will include mask-wearing and social distancing. We will be livestreaming on the ACT UP New York page on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. People who are livestreaming are asked to post a photo with the attached placard and a candle with a message saying #ThankYouLarry.

About ACT UP

Founded in 1987, ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), is a diverse, non-partisan group of individuals united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis. ACT UP currently meets every Monday night at 7PM ET via Zoom. Notes: you will be asked to contribute your first & last name and email address to access online meetings, and KN-95 masks are required for ACT UP NY in person meetings/actions/gatherings. All individuals are welcome!