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March 30, 2007

ACT UP commemorative protest results in 30 arrests

ACT UP commemorative protest results in 30 arrests

Nearly 30 people were arrested in an act of civil disobedience Thursday after 50 body bags were lined up on a New York City street to represent the number of people who die of AIDS complications every day. Venerable activist group ACT UP—AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power—commemorated its 20th anniversary by reenacting its first protest, which took place 20 years ago, also in New York City's financial district. Upward of 800 people showed up to march down Wall Street, calling out to health care providers and pharmaceutical companies.

Cathy Renna, a publicist who represents the group, told The Advocate that demonstrators received positive reactions from bystanders.

"Gilbert Baker, who was the creator of the rainbow flag, made this giant banner that was so big, it took nine people to hold it," she said in a phone interview. "It said, 'Worst President Ever,' but had a picture of him and the flag, and it actually looked very patriotic. We got quite a few cheers from people on the street walking by."

Renna described the marchers as diverse, reflecting the population of people who contract HIV now, including women, Latinos, and African-Americans. One of the groups involved with organizing the campaign was the Metro New York Physicians for a National Health Program, or PNHP.

Act Up demonstration, March 2007 (large) Leah McElrath Renna, Renna Communications | Advocate.com
Protest participants hold ACT UP banner on top of Wall Street bull statue in NYC’s financial district

Oliver Fein, chairman of PNHP, said the partnering of these two groups is crucial to furthering the cause of health care and affordable housing for HIV patients and all Americans.

Both ACT UP and PNHP are lobbying for a nationalized, single-payer health care plan for all Americans.

"Single-payer says that every resident of the U.S. should be covered, no fancy eligibility criteria based on age, or ability, or employment," Fein said. "For instance, we have Medicare limited only to people over 65. So we would argue that if you live in the U.S., you should have a single-payer program. It would be similar to Medicare, but it would be extended to all Americans. Instead of being over 65, the only criteria is that you live here." (Michelle Garcia, The Advocate)

Photo by Leah McElrath Renna

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