Reveal Podcast: "The Plague in the Shadows"
Host: Al Edson
Produced by: The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX
Release Date: March 15, 2025
1. Introduction: A Hidden Epidemic
In the early 1980s, as America basked in the optimism of Ronald Reagan's presidency, a silent and deadly virus began its devastating spread across the nation. Contrary to common associations today, this virus was not the coronavirus but AIDS, a disease that would claim tens of millions of lives and leave an indelible mark on society.
Al Edson sets the stage by contrasting the nation's forward-looking optimism with the grim reality of the AIDS epidemic:
"AIDS... has hung as a permanent cloud over intimacy, love and lust for generations." (02:00)
2. The Media's First Encounter with AIDS
The first mainstream acknowledgment of AIDS in America came through Dr. Lawrence K. Altman's July 1981 article in The New York Times. Although not the absolute first mention—the gay press and some California newspapers had discussed the disease earlier—the Times' coverage was pivotal in bringing AIDS to the national consciousness.
Dr. Lawrence K. Altman, a seasoned medicine columnist at the Times, reflected on his initial reporting:
"The headline read, 'Rare cancer seen in 41 homosexuals...'" (03:30)
Altman had been observing similar symptoms among patients at Bellevue Hospital since the late 1970s but adhered to journalistic standards that limited his reporting to the data available, predominantly focusing on gay men. This narrow focus inadvertently shaped the public's perception of AIDS as a disease confined to the gay community.
3. Narrow Perceptions and Overlooked Communities
Early reports and public health communications, including the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), predominantly highlighted AIDS cases among gay men in major urban centers. This selective reporting fostered a misconception that AIDS was exclusively a "gay disease," marginalizing other affected groups such as women, Black individuals, Hispanics, heterosexuals, and prisoners.
Larry Altman discussed the feedback loop that reinforced this narrow focus:
"Each time there was another public comment about the gay cancer doctors... it steadily narrowed the focus onto who was affected rather than what was happening." (08:53)
4. The Rise of Inclusive Activism: Phil Wilson's Advocacy
Phil Wilson, a central figure in AIDS activism across both gay and Black communities since the mid-1980s, emphasized the necessity of broadening the narrative around AIDS. He lamented the oversimplification and stressed the importance of recognizing the diverse populations impacted by the epidemic.
5. Katrina Haslip: Catalyst for Change
A pivotal figure in expanding the AIDS narrative was Katrina Haslip, a young woman incarcerated at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s, Katrina recognized the systemic neglect of women within the AIDS discourse.
Inside prison, Katrina co-founded AIDS Counseling and Education (ACE), the first known AIDS support group for women in the United States. Her leadership was instrumental in advocating for inclusive definitions and treatments:
"We wanted white women, we wanted Hispanic women, we wanted black women... we wanted non-religious, we wanted hippies," recalls Phil Wilson about ACE's diverse membership. (25:01)
Katrina's activism wasn't confined to prison. Upon her release in September 1990, she immediately engaged with external advocacy groups, notably joining a massive ACT UP protest in Washington, D.C., to demand broader recognition and support for women affected by HIV/AIDS.
6. Challenging the CDC: The Battle to Redefine AIDS
The initial CDC definition of AIDS was heavily skewed towards symptoms observed in men, excluding many conditions prevalent among women, such as yeast infections and cervical cancer. This exclusion not only hindered accurate diagnosis but also denied women access to critical healthcare benefits like Medicaid and disability services.
Tony Fauci, then Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, acknowledged the slow and evolving understanding of AIDS:
"When you're dealing with a new disease... you're dealing with a moving target." (11:34)
Despite Fauci's early recognition that AIDS could affect broader populations, bureaucratic inertia and societal prejudices impeded timely updates to the CDC's definitions. It wasn't until persistent activism, spearheaded by individuals like Katrina, that the CDC began to acknowledge and include women's symptoms in their official criteria.
In December 1990, after extensive negotiations and advocacy, a compromise was reached to expand the CDC's AIDS definition. This change, however, came too late for many, including Katrina Haslip, who passed away on December 2, 1992, before she could benefit from the updated criteria.
7. Legacy and Continuing Struggle
Katrina's relentless fight left a profound legacy. The expanded CDC definition in January 1993 led to a 45% increase in AIDS diagnoses among women, highlighting the overdue recognition of their plight. However, this victory was bittersweet, as countless women perished before their conditions could be officially acknowledged and treated.
Katrina's friends and fellow activists commemorated her contributions through memorials and continued advocacy, ensuring that her efforts would not be in vain.
"Here’s why science is not neutral... Most of these women are not around to... be in the films. But nothing about this is okay." – Katrina Haslip (49:20)
8. Reflections and Ongoing Challenges
Today, while the medical community fully recognizes that women can contract HIV and AIDS, challenges remain in ensuring comprehensive care and support for all affected groups. The story of Katrina Haslip serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for inclusive healthcare policies and the relentless pursuit of justice for marginalized communities.
Lizzy Ratner concludes by underscoring the progress made and the road ahead:
"We have so much farther to go." (53:08)
Conclusion: The Fight for Visibility and Equality
"The Plague in the Shadows" not only chronicles the early struggles of the AIDS epidemic but also celebrates the courageous individuals who fought to broaden the narrative and secure equitable treatment for all affected populations. Katrina Haslip's story exemplifies the impact of determined activism in transforming public health policies and advocating for the voiceless.
Notable Quotes:
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Dr. Lawrence K. Altman:
"We knew what they didn't have, but we didn't know what they had." (05:24) -
Phil Wilson:
"What about my life and who I want to be? Which is a challenge that all of us have as we reenter life outside of prison." (51:20) -
Tony Fauci:
"Everybody can be at risk." (40:26)
Key Contributors:
- Lizzy Ratner: Deputy Editor, The Nation
- Phil Wilson: AIDS Activist
- Dr. Lawrence K. Altman: Former Science Columnist, The New York Times
- Katrina Haslip: AIDS Activist and Organizer
- Awilda Gonzalez ("Wendy"): Former Inmate and ACE Member
- Judith Clark: Former Inmate and ACE Member
- Dr. Sheldon Landesman: Public Health Expert
- Maxine Wolf: Activist
Production Credits:
Produced by Michael I. Schiller and edited by Taki Telenides. The podcast series, "The Plague in the Shadows," is a collaboration between the History Channel and WNYC Studios, featuring a dedicated team for research, sound design, and executive production.
Support and Acknowledgments:
This episode was supported by various foundations, including the Riva and David Logan Foundation, the John D. and Kathryn T. MacArthur Foundation, and others committed to investigative journalism.
Learn More:
To delve deeper into the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its multifaceted impact on different communities, subscribe to "The Plague in the Shadows" on your favorite podcast platform.