In the 1980s, society grappled with the grim reality of the AIDS epidemic, but it was the subsequent emergence of 'AIPS' —AIDS Induced Panic Syndrome— that reshaped the public narrative. While AIDS was a tangible threat, the hysteria of AIPS often overshadowed the actual disease, leading to an array of absurd stories that could easily be deemed laughable, such as the belief you could catch AIDS through sharing a swimming pool.

Conversely, the darker side of AIPS manifested in horrifying incidents where innocent individuals, often misidentified as carriers of the virus, faced brutal physical and verbal abuse, reinforcing the devastating impact of ignorance and fear. This duality of response—ranging from the ludicrous to the tragic—illustrates the potent mix of anxiety and misinformation that characterised the era, making it a pivotal moment in the history of public health.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog AIDS: THE LOST VOICES - AIDS v AIPS

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

Episode 4 of 4

Dave Patridge was 31 when he received the diagnosis of AIDS in the summer of 1987, a time when fear and misinformation surrounded the disease. Originating from Illinois, he courageously chronicled his journey through illness in a diary, which he shared with the Herald & Review newspaper under the pseudonym ‘Jacob’, inspired by the character from La Cage Aux Folles.

His poignant reflections resonated with the Decatur community, with the odd objection, providing insight into the struggles and realities faced by those living with AIDS. Nearly four decades later, as someone living with HIV, I feel it is essential to amplify Dave's voice and preserve his legacy. By sharing his words, I aim to ensure that his experiences and messages continue to inform and inspire, honouring the journey he navigated with resilience, integrity and humour.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - The Diary of Dave Patridge

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• Diary [Jacobs Journal] Written by Dave Alan Patridge
• Herald & Review - Decatur, Illinois / Archive Newspapers.com
• 'I'd Give a Million Tomorrows' - by Billy Vaughn LISTEN HERE
• 'I'd Give a Million Tomorrows' Piano - by Patricia Walter LISTEN HERE
• 'American Love' - by Rose Laurens LISTEN HERE

There has been no financial nor commercial gain from this episode.

Episode 3 of 4

Dave Patridge was 31 when he received the diagnosis of AIDS in the summer of 1987, a time when fear and misinformation surrounded the disease. Originating from Illinois, he courageously chronicled his journey through illness in a diary, which he shared with the Herald & Review newspaper under the pseudonym ‘Jacob’, inspired by the character from La Cage Aux Folles.

His poignant reflections resonated with the Decatur community, with the odd objection, providing insight into the struggles and realities faced by those living with AIDS. Nearly four decades later, as someone living with HIV, I feel it is essential to amplify Dave's voice and preserve his legacy. By sharing his words, I aim to ensure that his experiences and messages continue to inform and inspire, honouring the journey he navigated with resilience, integrity and humour.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - The Diary of Dave Patridge

----------------------------------------------------

Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

----------------------------------------------------

Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• Diary [Jacobs Journal] Written by Dave Alan Patridge
• Herald & Review - Decatur, Illinois / Archive Newspapers.com

There has been no financial nor commercial gain from this episode.