Let the Record Show

In Let the Record Show, renowned writer and activist Sarah Schulman crafts a deeply compelling narrative about ACT UP, the influential group of activists that fundamentally shifted the landscape of the AIDS crisis in just six pivotal years. This broad and eclectic coalition, composed of individuals from diverse races, genders, sexualities, and backgrounds, harnessed their collective frustrations, intelligence, and creativity to challenge and change the status quo. Their efforts were marked by high-profile actions, including storming the FDA and NIH, initiating needle exchange programs in New York, and taking over Grand Central Terminal.

ACT UP fought tirelessly to alter the legal definition of AIDS to include women, transformed the American insurance industry, and utilised art and advertising as potent tools to amplify their message. Their confrontations were not limited to corporate greed and government indifference— they boldly opposed formidable entities like The New York Times, the Catholic Church, and the pharmaceutical industry. ACT UP's multifaceted and intersectional approach not only elevated the plight of people living with AIDS but also confronted and shifted societal prejudices that had led to their marginalisation.

Drawing from over two hundred interviews with ACT UP members, Schulman delivers a meticulous and revelatory exploration of the group's internal dynamics, conflicts, achievements, and eventual dissolution. Her striking prose and incisive analysis offer invaluable lessons for modern activists. Through Let the Record Show, Schulman—a luminary in queer literature and thought—dissects the 'how' and 'why' of ACT UP's revolutionary impact. She elucidates how a group of determined outcasts managed to effect lasting change in America, ultimately crafting a sustainable future for innumerable people around the globe.

Schulman's account is not just an historical recounting but a testament to the power of grassroots activism, capturing the raw energy and uncompromising spirit of those who fought for justice at the height of the AIDS epidemic. It is a long-overdue reassessment of ACT UP's legacy, illuminating both the triumphs and the turbulence within the movement, and ensuring that the efforts of these trailblazing activists are recognised and remembered.

Let the Record Show is a definitive account of an era marked by unprecedented challenges and extraordinary resolve, offering readers a profound understanding of the ways in which activism can transform lives and societies. Schulman’s narrative is a vital addition to the historical record, resonating deeply in the context of today’s ongoing battles for equality and healthcare for all.