Page "Counterculture" Paragraph 19

The AIDS epidemic was initially an unexpected blow to the movement, especially in North America.

There was speculation that the disease would permanently drive gay life underground.

Ironically, the tables were turned.

Many of the early victims of the disease had been openly gay only within the confines of insular " gay ghettos " such as New York City ’ s Greenwich Village and San Francisco ’ s Castro ; they remained closeted in their professional lives and to their families.

Many heterosexuals who thought they didn't know any gay people were confronted by friends and loved ones dying of " the gay plague " ( which soon began to infect " straight " people also ).

LGBT communities were increasingly seen not only as victims of a disease, but as victims of ostracism and hatred.

Most importantly, the disease became a rallying point for a previously complacent gay community.

AIDS invigorated the community politically to fight not only for a medical response to the disease, but also for wider acceptance of homosexuality in mainstream America.

Ultimately, coming out became an important step for many LGBT people.