This Instagram is serving as a memorial to those lost during the AIDS crisis
This Instagram site is acting as a commemoration to lives lost during the AIDS crisis in the late 1980’s and 90’s.
The feed honours a whole generation of people who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS. The images of people and their lives have created a beautiful yet heartbreaking narrative.
The feed, which tells stories of people who died across the world, was created by a 42-year-old living in Scotland.
Talking to GSN Stuart, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained that he was fascinated by the history of AIDS and wanted to use the platform to help people remember the vast steps taken since the crisis.
“The history of the AIDS epidemic is so interesting to me. History fascinates me: gay history and the emergence of AIDS in the 1980S and those who died and seemed in my opinion to have been forgotten.
“No one seemed in my opinion to speak about all those who had passed. Older people didn’t want to be reminded as it was enough to live through it, and the younger generation didn’t want to know about it. Period! Or so I thought,” Stuart explained.
Starting the Instagram and the response he has received shocked the creator, who had thought people had forgotten about the people who lost their lives.
“The Instagram page has proved me wrong which is marvellous. I thought Instagram was a perfect way to document the lives of those who had died. I just want more people to hear the stories and remember.”
Stories of celebrities, campaigners, politicians and normal day-to-day people litter the feed, but it it is emotionally challenging to keep running.
“It’s not like following Kim Kardashian or any of the Jenners. The AIDS Memorial is not fluffy!
“I understand it is not the easiest subject matter to follow daily. So it was a lovely surprise to see the followers steadily grow. The AIDS Memorial gives comfort to those that have experienced loss or have faced struggle when the chips have been down.
“The positive feedback that I receive almost every day is so touching, uplifting and gratifying,” he added.
