Interview: Scott Campbell
What attracted the Elton John AIDS Foundation as a major funder to the Memorial?
We believe in acknowledging the incredible, horrifying, and ultimately inspiring history that is the AIDS epidemic in New York City. Located so near the epicenter of the early pandemic, it will be a living memorial to where it happened, how it happened – and is still happening today. Chris and Paul should be supported for making such important use of a very valuable piece of real estate. A host of issues come together in this spot, which I know will be transformative.
Why do you think New York City needs such a substantive Memorial?
New York City is a city of monuments, and it’s so important that the Memorial will be a part of this landscape, a destination for tourists and residents. It’s also important its location be so conspicuous, unavoidable if you will, given the fear, the hiddenness, the invisibility of the early years of AIDS – and of the LGBT community. We need to be reminded of the heroic actions of our community, which created organizations like GMHC, ACT UP, amfAR that made it possible to change the course of history and the epidemic.
What purpose do you think the Memorial can serve?
The Memorial could not come at a better time, given the urgent need to re-engage the LGBTQ community in ending the AIDS epidemic by making it a priority at the national and local level. We are very interested and invested in the educational component of the Memorial and are eager to see that unfold.
When and how did you encounter the epidemic?
I first encountered AIDS as a student at Berkeley, when I was coming out. When I came to New York City in 1984, its effects were everywhere. I got involved first as a volunteer and then professionally in the early 90’s. I worked at amfAR for many years and have been at the Elton John AIDS Foundation for nearly a decade. Ultimately, I have committed my professional life to this issue, but it also has made a significant personal impact upon me as well.
Who will you be remembering at the Memorial?
I lost countless friends, like everyone else in my generation did, so I will certainly be remembering them whenever I pass the Memorial. But I will also be thinking about all of the people who will pass by today and in the future – both HIV+ and not – knowing that the Memorial will remind them that AIDS is still very much a part of their lives and that we need to make and keep AIDS a priority if we are to achieve an AIDS-free world. I will also be so pleased to think of how this Memorial will help to bridge the gap between my generation and younger generations who may not be aware of the history of the response to AIDS, especially the response of the gay community, and how it still resonates today. For instance, I cannot pass the George Segal sculptures in Sheridan Square without thinking about the history of the struggle for gay rights from Stonewall to today, and the impactful way in which these sculptures carry the message and the weight of that history forward. The NYC AIDS Memorial will be every bit as profound.
Tell us a little bit more about the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
At the Elton John AIDS Foundation we believe that AIDS can be beaten. We act on that belief by raising funds for effective programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people’s lives. Through hard work and with the help of our network of kind, amazing, creative, and generous friends and supporters, we have raised more than $300 million over the past two decades to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS.
This year, we are especially excited to be launching a new initiative aimed at helping traditional LGBTQ organizations to focus their incredible energy and creativity on addressing the root causes of the epidemic in the LGBTQ community, including poverty, homelessness, incarceration, drug addiction and mental health issues, isolation and loneliness, and the unique needs of transgendered individuals, and work to end the epidemic in our community once and for all. We already invest $1.8 million every year on programs focused on the health and rights of LGBTQ people. Now we will invest an additional $1.0-1.5 million to support a national LGBTQ-led response to the current AIDS crisis.
Scott Campbell is the former Executive Director of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.