Out the Archives is a recurring feature diving into the Windy City Times collection, offering a look back at the rich history of LGBTQ+ Chicago.
In this edition, we look back at the February 1996 issue of BLACKlines, which included writer Shamara Riley’s coverage of HIV prevention work in the Black community.
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In the first issue of BLACKlines—published nearly 30 years ago in February 1996—writer Shamara Riley tackled the topic of HIV prevention work in the Black community.
In a Q&A with Riley, “Michael,” who chose to not use his real name, talked about being a 19-year-old gay Black man and working as a peer educator for Pathfinders, a West Side “lesbigay” support group.
For Michael, it was important to become a peer educator after he noticed his peers not using safe sex practices. His goal was to promote awareness around sexual diseases and prevent those around him from contracting them, especially HIV.
“In particular,” he said, “many Black gay men believe that AIDS is a white man’s disease.”
Michael’s work took him all around the city. From down at 178th street for raves to Halsted Street Cafe—where Fantasy Nightclub is now located—to shops at Madison Street and Pulaski Road, he tried to connect with Black youth about the importance of safe sex and help them understand the risks of not taking precautions.
Part of his work educating others included teaching them about what can happen once someone contracts HIV and AIDS. He said that people didn’t understand how bad AIDS could be at the time if they only saw it on TV.
One of the biggest challenges facing Black youth was not being totally accepted in either the Black or LGBTQ+ communities, Michael said. At the time, he said most people probably didn’t want to come out to their families, but they could maybe solve these divisions in the future once people were more comfortable with queer identities.
“Once the community finds out that every single family has got one or two [gay members], then it’ll be a lot easier,” he said. “Once every family finds out that they’ve got one of their own, they may treat the situation a little bit better.”
